STATESVILLE, N.C. — A 30-year-old man is now in custody in connection to a fatal shooting on April 21 in Statesville.
According to Statesville Police, Devin Emanuel Rankin faces charges of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and discharging a firearm within city limits.
The shooting took place at a home on Stewart Court. Statesville Police said they found a man shot and killed just after midnight.
The Statesville Police Department identified the victim as 52-year-old Richard Pledger.
One of Pledger's friends reached out to WCNC Charlotte and described him as "kindhearted to all people." His friend said said he was a family man who loved to go fishing. "Overall, he was a jokester" and said "he would help anyone."
"We miss him terribly, and we understand that he's no longer earthly," his friend wrote to WCNC Charlotte. "He has spiritually 'gone Fishing.'"
The apprehension of Rankin involved the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Iredell County Sheriff's Department and the Statesville Police Department.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.
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