GASTONIA, N.C. — A man was found dead in Gastonia Wednesday evening, and police say his own stepson is accused of shooting him.
The Gastonia Police Department said they responded to West 6th Avenue near Garrison Boulevard around 10:30 p.m. after multiple gunshots were reported. They arrived at a home to find 34-year-old Braxton Devin Farquhr dead of at least one gunshot wound.
Initially, Gastonia police retained some information as the investigation unfolded into Thursday morning. Just before 11 a.m., the department identified Farquhr's stepson, 23-year-old Christopher Lee Hill, as the suspect.
Hill now has an arrest warrant for 1st-degree murder. Later in the afternoon on Thursday, police confirmed he was taken into custody. The department said he turned himself in.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspect in this case because the suspect was at one point deemed armed and dangerous.
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