Dwight Nathaniel Saunders, a 33-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on July 13, 2018, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Dwight, affectionately known as "Dwight-Nat," was born on September 24, 1984, in Hertford County, NC. He worked as a laborer for B & B Services and was a beloved member of his community.
On the morning of July 13, 2018, Dwight was found lying on the edge of Church Street, near the rear of the Southern Bank property.
Despite the CPR efforts of numerous Hertford County EMS personnel on the scene, Dwight was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. The Ahoskie Police Department, led by Chief Troy Fitzhugh, arrived at the scene at 8:25 a.m. and quickly began their investigation.
Cola Terrell Harrell, a 29-year-old African American male from Ahoskie, was formally charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Dwight Nathaniel Saunders. Harrell was also charged with one felony count each of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harrell has an extensive arrest record dating back to 2007, with six of his previous 12 arrests being for possession of illegal narcotics.
The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The Ahoskie Police Department, along with the Hertford County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Ahoskie Fire Department, Hertford County Emergency Management, and Hertford County Emergency Medical Services, have all been involved in the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence, and evidence collected from that residence has greatly benefited the investigation.
Dwight Nathaniel Saunders' death has left a void in the community, and his family and friends continue to mourn his loss. The investigation into his murder is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to bring justice to Dwight and his loved ones.
