Police: Public can help identify third murder suspect

Police say three men were involved in the robbery, kidnapping and murder early Sunday of Errol Williams, 27, whom investigators said was in the wrong place at the wrong time as he stopped for directions at a Kangaroo convenience store at 5642 Bragg Boulevard.

Hours later, the same three men returned to the convenience store, robbed two customers and stole the store's surveillance equipment. But it was too late. Police had already distributed images that led to a flood of tips that continued through the week, identifying the alleged shooter and the getaway car.

"We also know there are folks in our city that have a lot of information (and) that may be timid, may be afraid to share it. All we're asking is to give us a chance," Police Chief Harold Medlock said.

Two men are charged in connection with the crime – Kourtney Terrell Reed, 20, and Kelly Eugene Elliott, 31. Both are wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the crime.  

Elliott, whose last known address was on Dominion Road, has served time for assault, robbery, vehicle theft and drugs.

Police did not have a fixed address for Reed, but they said both men should be considered armed and dangerous.

Police have said three men were present when Williams was attacked, but they have not identified a third suspect.

In the course of the investigation, police identified two other men they say have committed other crimes with Elliott. Those men are not linked specifically to Williams' death. WRAL News initially reported, incorrectly, that they were.

"We're reaching out to a lot of our partners across the state, some out of state, and we're asking them to be on the lookout for these fellows," Medlock said.

Eric Lamont Phillips, 32, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine. He was in the Cumberland County jail Wednesday under a $75,000 secured bond.

Anthony Solomon Porter, 36, of 1319 Odom Drive, faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury for a shooting on Conover Drive on Aug. 18. He is also wanted on two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident in Raleigh.

"I hope they’re in the city, so we can go ahead and lay hands on them and get them off the street," Medlock said. "Because if they’re not here, they’re a danger to someone else’s city."

Anyone with information about any of these men is asked to call detectives at 910-433-1690 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and callers can remain confidential.

Medlock acknowledged some people may be reluctant to help police find criminals, fearing repercussions.

“The fact is, there are so many different ways to provide information to police now – online, through anonymous phone calls," he said.

Police also are seeking Joseph DeShawn Haskins, 21. There are no warrants out for Haskins' arrest. Police merely want to speak to him.

Haskins' last known address was 926 Spellman Drive in Fayetteville.