Rodney Wells, a 47-year-old man from Lillington, NC, was tragically shot to death on August 10, 2018. Wells was found in front of his home on Jarvis Lane, off N.C. 55, with a gunshot wound just before 4 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Harnett County Sheriff's Office quickly launched an investigation into the incident.
On August 11, 2018, Deldrid Maurice Hines, a 39-year-old man from Erwin, NC, was arrested and charged with the murder of Rodney Wells.
Hines was taken into custody without incident and held without bond at the Harnett County Detention Center. His first court appearance was scheduled for the following Monday in Lillington District Court.
In addition to Hines, three other individuals were arrested in connection with the murder. Cody Keen Pope, a 26-year-old man, Crystal Lee Chestnut, a 38-year-old woman, and Justina Amber Moore, a 32-year-old woman, all from Erwin, NC, were charged with accessory after the fact of murder. Pope and Moore were also served with outstanding warrants for probation violations. Each of the three suspects was held under a $500,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court for a first appearance hearing.
The authorities did not publicly provide a motive for the killing or disclose whether the suspects knew the victim. The investigation into the murder of Rodney Wells continued as the suspects awaited their court appearances. The tragic death of Rodney Wells left the community in shock and mourning, as they sought justice for the senseless act of violence that claimed his life.
