HAMLET — A Hamlet man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that left a Rockingham man dead earlier this week, according to officials.
Hamlet Police Chief James Carsto announced Friday night that Malik Bryant Wall, 27, of Hamlet, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Tykeem Amir Ellerbe, 20, of Rockingham. The shooting occurred Wednesday night.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Hamlet Police Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said investigators worked to identify a suspect and take him into custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hamlet City Manager John Terziu issued a statement following the arrest, praising the efforts of law enforcement.
“Over the last 48+ hours, I witnessed something that deserves to be said plainly.
The Hamlet Police Department, alongside the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office worked relentlessly, around the clock, with little to no rest to identify and apprehend the suspect in Wednesday night’s tragic incident.They did not stop. They did not slow down. They stayed focused until the job was done. That is what real commitment to a community looks like.”
In a separate case, an early morning shooting Saturday left a Rockingham man in critical condition, according to officials.
“This incident happened on Highway 74, just west of Rockingham, amid a large crowd. If you witnessed anything or possess information, please come forward,” said Sheriff Gulledge in a media release.
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Richmond County Crime Stoppers tip line or submit tips through the P3 app. Anonymous tips are accepted and may be eligible for a reward if they lead to an arrest. Additional details about the incident will be provided as the investigation progresses.