Man Sought in Uncle's Fatal Shooting

SILER CITY, N.C. — Authorities are searching for a Siler City man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of his uncle.

Chatham County sheriff’s officials said Donald Louis Scotton, 53, of 175 Fletcher Siler Road, was shot to death around 8 p.m. Saturday at the residence of his nephew, Christopher Matthews, 35.

Witnesses told investigators that Scotton and Matthews had a verbal altercation that escalated and led to the shootings. Deputies said they believe Matthews may have been stabbed at some point during the scuffle.

Matthews ran into a wooded area near the home after the shooting, witnesses told investigators. Search dogs tracked him to nearby residences, but he had fled the scene by the time officers arrived.

Investigators found shell casings and several knives at Matthews’ home, but didn’t find a gun. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the altercation, investigators said.

Matthews is believed to still be in the Siler City area, authorities said. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department at 919-542-2811.