Calvin Montrail Murray, of 109 Taylor St., was originally charged with first degree murder after he shot Tierra Braddy of Maxton in the head with a handgun in June 2003. Superior Court Judge Ripley Rand sentenced Murray to a minimum of 13 months and a maximum of 16 months in prison. He was given credit for 89 days served while awaiting trial.
The shooting happened at an apartment at 309 W. Fourth Ave., in Red Springs. Murray told police that he was holding the gun and it discharged when Braddy attempted to take it away.
Murray, who was 29 at the time, had been dating Braddy for nine months before the shooting. According to one witness' statement to police, Murray argued with Braddy the day of the shooting after Murray saw Braddy leaving someone's else's apartment that morning.
But Murray's lawyer, Michael Willis, insisted the shooting was an accident.
"This was a tragic situation," Willis said. "We believe it was an accident because he didn't flee. He tried to get help for this young girl. He didn't show any malice. He shouldn't have had the weapon. He bought it because he had gotten beaten up before."
Murray made no statement to Braddy's family when given the opportunity in court. Braddy's mother cried when asked if she wanted to speak with a reporter about the plea arrangement. Braddy lived on Bethea Road in Maxton and was a student at Purnell Swett High School.
Post a Comment
