Scottie Alan Morton, a 43-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on August 3, 2017, in Cove City, North Carolina. Scottie was known for his high energy and willingness to help anyone, whether friends, family, or strangers. He was described as the practical joker of the family and someone who would "give you the shirt off his back." Scottie spent his childhood years in Bridgeton and attended West Craven High School. In 2010, he married his best friend and love of his life, Hiedi Grady, and they made their home in Cove City. He is survived by his wife Hiedi and son John Alex Grady, along with other family members.
Scottie Alan Morton was killed during a robbery at Grady’s Old Country Store on August 3, 2017. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and found Scottie suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported seeing a black man with his face covered enter the store, demand money, and shoot Scottie several times. The suspect fled the scene in a dark red SUV. Scottie died at the scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of several suspects. Anthony Lamar Johnson, a 24-year-old black male, was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges. He was sentenced on January 29, 2021. Brittany Leal, who testified for the state, faced charges of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. Ashley Deanna Velez, a 30-year-old white female, was found guilty of accessory after the fact in the murder of Scottie Alan Morton. She was sentenced to a maximum of 14 years and 10 months in prison.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, the North Carolina State Crime Lab, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, worked diligently on the investigation. The case involved 21 witnesses and 216 pieces of evidence. The community of Cove City was deeply affected by Scottie's death, as the grocery store where the incident occurred was a place for residents to unwind and catch up with one another.
