BLADEN COUNTY — On Dec. 1, 33‑year-old James Todd Harrelson pled guilty to second-degree murder in the January 2023 death of Jerry Edward Martin. Harrelson was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Robert C. Roupe to 251 to 314 months in prison — roughly 20 to 26 years.
READ MORE: Two arrested in connection with South Kerr Avenue home invasion
Martin’s body was discovered on Jan. 24, 2023, after his son requested a welfare check when he couldn’t reach him. Family members forced entry into the home on The Hadd Road near Bladenboro and found Martin deceased, with his home and vehicle riddled with gunfire.
Investigators determined the shooting was retaliation for Martin reporting a theft on his property. Evidence, including social media activity and forensic analysis, linked Harrelson to the incident. Four individuals were charged in connection with the drive-by shooting. The other suspects have pleaded guilty with two awaiting sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by the State of North Carolina, represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Valerie Pearce.
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