Brandon Hardy, a 38-year-old man from Grimesland, NC, was shot and killed on January 1, 2022. The incident occurred at the home of Belinda Matthews, who had been in long-term relationships with both Hardy and Robert Green. According to the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, Hardy went to Matthews' home just after 3 a.m. on January 1 and found Green and Matthews in her bedroom. Hardy then assaulted Green and forced him to the back door at gunpoint. Green managed to retrieve his firearm from his pocket and fired, striking Hardy once. Physical evidence confirmed that Green was assaulted. Green exited the home, placed his firearm in his vehicle, and fled to safety. Matthews called 911.
The investigation into Hardy's death was conducted by the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, which found that Green acted in self-defense and was immune from criminal liability under state law. The investigation revealed that Hardy entered Matthews' home unlawfully and threatened Green with an illegally-owned firearm. Witness statements, including those from an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old who were present in the home, corroborated Green's account of the events. Deputies recovered a firearm near the back door inside the residence, which witnesses confirmed was the one possessed by Hardy.
The Pitt County District Attorney's Office reviewed the evidence and determined that no charges would be filed against Green. The investigation was described as an objective and systematic fact-finding process, with all information, including statements, text messages, video evidence, and forensic evidence, compiled into a comprehensive report submitted to the District Attorney's Office. The decision not to prosecute Green was based on the conclusion that his use of deadly force to protect himself was justified.
Family members and friends of Brandon Hardy have demanded justice and answers, holding a press conference at the Greenville courthouse and seeking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the case. The community has expressed controversy and emotion regarding the investigation and its outcome.
