Fairmont Man Arrested and Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of His Brother; 71-Year-Old William Pressley Found Dead in Robeson County Incident
A tragic incident unfolded early on Monday morning in Fairmont, North Carolina, where a 71-year-old man was fatally shot by his brother. Lacey Cole Jr., aged 69, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of his brother, William Pressley, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Tuesday. The shooting occurred at the residence in the 1400 block of Williamson Road, an area that is typically quiet but now at the center of a murder investigation that has left the local community stunned.
Authorities have announced that Lacey Cole Jr. faces a series of serious charges, including second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear. These charges reflect the severity of the alleged crime, and the case has raised many questions about the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The fatal shooting was reported at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024. Deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to a call about a shooting at the residence. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered the body of 71-year-old William Pressley, lying lifeless at the location. Pressley had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, and despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial reports from the Sheriff’s Office indicate that the incident occurred inside the home where both brothers lived. Investigators have not yet disclosed specifics about what led to the deadly confrontation, and it remains unclear whether there had been any prior altercations between Lacey Cole Jr. and his brother.
The sheriff’s office has yet to release a detailed timeline of events, leaving many residents of Fairmont and surrounding areas to speculate on what may have prompted the violence. However, the investigation is ongoing, with authorities piecing together evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact motive behind the fatal shooting.
Charges and Arrest of Lacey Cole Jr.
Following the discovery of his brother’s body, deputies were able to locate and arrest Lacey Cole Jr. at a nearby location. According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Cole was taken into custody without incident, though no details have been released about his initial cooperation with law enforcement.
Cole has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of William Pressley. This charge indicates that investigators believe Cole acted with malice, but without premeditation or deliberation, which distinguishes second-degree murder from first-degree murder. The exact details surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that the incident was not an accident.
In addition to the murder charge, Lacey Cole Jr. faces charges related to the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Court records show that Cole has a lengthy criminal history, which likely contributed to the severity of this charge. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, making the circumstances of this shooting even more troubling for law enforcement officials. He also faces a charge of discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, a charge that adds to the gravity of the situation.
Cole is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. The decision to deny bond likely reflects the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger posed by the defendant.
The Victim: William Pressley
William Pressley, the victim in this tragic shooting, was well known in the Fairmont community. He was described by family members and neighbors as a kind, peaceful man who had lived in the area for many years. Known for his quiet demeanor, Pressley had a reputation as a hardworking individual who was deeply involved in the local community.
Pressley’s family members have expressed shock and heartbreak over his untimely death. His sister, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke briefly to local media, saying, “William was always the one trying to keep things calm and peaceful. This is just devastating for all of us.” Friends of Pressley echoed similar sentiments, remembering him as a man who was beloved by those who knew him.
Details about Pressley’s personal life are limited, but it is known that he had a close-knit family, and his death has left a void in the lives of many who knew him. His passing has especially affected his children, who are mourning the loss of their father in a violent and senseless act. Local leaders and residents of Fairmont have also expressed their sadness over the tragedy, calling for peace and justice for Pressley.
Lacey Cole Jr.’s Background and Criminal History
Lacey Cole Jr., the alleged perpetrator of the shooting, has a criminal history that dates back several decades. He has been involved in various criminal activities, including prior arrests for charges related to violence, possession of illegal firearms, and assault. Court records indicate that Cole has spent time in prison for past offenses, which may have contributed to his being prohibited from owning or carrying a firearm.
His background has led some to question how he was able to obtain the weapon used in the shooting. The investigation into Cole’s firearm possession is expected to be a key component of the ongoing probe. Law enforcement officials are examining whether the firearm used in the shooting was legally acquired or if it had been obtained through illegal means.
Neighbors who knew Lacey Cole Jr. have described him as a man who kept to himself but had a volatile temper. “He had a reputation for getting into arguments with people. You could see the tension in him sometimes,” one neighbor said. “But we never thought something like this would happen.”
The Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are currently reviewing evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage, to piece together the full story of what transpired in the moments leading up to William Pressley’s death.
The sheriff’s office has also appealed to the public for help, urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information that could aid in the investigation to come forward. In a statement released on Tuesday, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said, “We are committed to seeking justice for the victim and his family, and we encourage anyone who may have knowledge about this incident to contact our office. Every piece of information could help us understand what happened and why this tragedy occurred.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities have emphasized that further updates will be provided as new information emerges. The community is eagerly awaiting answers, as the death of William Pressley has left many in the area grappling with the shock of the crime.
Community Reaction and Local Impact
The fatal shooting of William Pressley has reverberated throughout the small town of Fairmont, which is known for its tight-knit community and generally low crime rates. Residents expressed disbelief over the event, with many questioning how such a tragic incident could happen in their town.
Local leaders, including Fairmont’s mayor and members of the town council, have offered their condolences to Pressley’s family and expressed their hope that justice will be served. Mayor Charles Kemp commented, “This is a heartbreaking situation, and our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Pressley. Fairmont is a place where people know each other, and this incident has shocked us all.”
In the wake of the shooting, the Fairmont community has rallied around Pressley’s family, offering support in the form of memorials, flowers, and donations. A small memorial has been erected near the scene of the shooting, where friends and family have gathered to mourn and remember Pressley’s life.
The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about gun violence, mental health, and the availability of firearms in the region. Local activists have called for increased awareness and advocacy for better gun control measures, particularly in light of the fact that Cole was a convicted felon and legally prohibited from owning a firearm.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Justice
As the investigation continues, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is committed to bringing closure to the case and providing justice for the victim’s family. The tragic loss of William Pressley has left a deep scar on the community, but many are hopeful that the legal process will bring accountability for Lacey Cole Jr. and help to prevent further violence in the area.
The case will likely progress through the criminal justice system over the coming months, with a trial potentially bringing further details to light about the motives and circumstances surrounding the shooting. Until then, the family of William Pressley remains focused on mourning their loss and seeking justice for the violent death of their loved one.
As the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, authorities remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for this tragic crime are held accountable and that the victim’s family receives the support and justice they deserve.
Conclusion
The shooting death of 71-year-old William Pressley at the hands of his brother, Lacey Cole Jr., has shaken the small town of Fairmont, North Carolina, and prompted an ongoing investigation by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. While details surrounding the incident remain sparse, the charges against Cole reflect the seriousness of the crime, and the community continues to grieve the loss of a beloved local figure. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Fairmont await answers and hope for justice to be served.
