Cabbie shooting suspect cries in court as charges are read

The 25-year-old man charged with murder in connection with the death of a Raleigh taxi driver cried in court Tuesday as the charges against him were read out.

Posted 10:55 p.m. Feb 9, 2016 — Updated 10:10 a.m. Feb 10, 2016

RALEIGH, N.C. — The 25-year-old man charged with murder in connection with the death of a Raleigh taxi driver cried in court Tuesday as the charges against him were read out.

Major Earl Edwards Jr., of 111 Middle St. in Louisburg, was arrested early Tuesday and was being held at the Wake County Jail without bond. Police did not say how they linked Edwards to the death of Jose Nicolas Dominguez. The cabbie was found dead of a gunshot wound in the parking lot an apartment complex on Hodges Creek Drive.

Authorities said Dominguez was working for Amigo Taxi at the time of the shooting.

Friends and supporters of the Dominguez family crowded the courtroom Tuesday for Edwards' hearing, and they, too, could be seen shedding tears.

Friends and other taxi drivers described Dominguez as a kind and fun-loving spirit and a loving grandfather.

“[He] was always bringing fun to the community and those people that knew him,” said Adris Fortunato, recalling basketball and baseball games with Dominguez.

The Dominican Association of Raleigh is raising money to help the family with his burial expenses, and the organization president called on the local Hispanic community to turn out when Edwards stands trial.

Since 2008, Edwards has been charged with several other crimes, including assault on a female, possession of marijuana with intent to sell/deliver, breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering, according to Wake County criminal history reports.

Police believe there are others involved in Dominguez' death and asked that anyone with information call Raleigh Crime Stoppers at 919-834-4357.

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