On the evening of August 31, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., 60-year-old William Thomas "Tommy" Johnson was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Dollar General store located on US-17 North in Merry Hill, North Carolina. Deputies from the Bertie County Sheriff's Office, along with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, responded to reports of shots fired and discovered Johnson lying near a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene.
Witnesses described the suspect as a Black male wearing a blue hoodie and black pants, who fled the scene on foot before entering a vehicle nearby. Despite an extensive search involving K-9 units and drones, the suspect was not immediately apprehended. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) assisted local authorities in the investigation.
On November 7, 2024, after a thorough investigation, the Bertie County Sheriff's Office arrested 59-year-old Robert D. Wilson of Colerain, North Carolina, in connection with Johnson's death. Wilson was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held without bond at the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail.
William Thomas Johnson, affectionately known as "Tommy," was born on June 30, 1964, and resided in Plymouth, North Carolina. He was a minister and a cherished member of his community, known for his dedication to his faith and his family. A Homegoing Celebration was held in his honor on September 15, 2024, at Spring Green Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Plymouth, followed by burial at the Johnson Family Cemetery.
The arrest of Robert D. Wilson has provided some measure of closure to Johnson's family and the community. However, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Community members have expressed relief at the apprehension of the suspect but also emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to address and prevent violence in the area.
The Bertie County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward, underscoring the importance of community involvement in ensuring justice and enhancing public safety.
