Suspect in Fayetteville hit and run now charged with murder
FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- Police in Fayetteville have upgraded the charges against a man charged with a fatal hit and run earlier this month.
Lt. Todd Joyce said in a statement Wednesday evening that 39-year-old Stoney Gene Riley has been charged with first-degree murder in the Aug. 1 death of Justin Thomas Atkins.
Joyce said the upgraded charge comes after officers learned more information about Riley's actions before Atkins was killed. Riley was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter.
RELATED: Fayetteville police arrest man accused of intentionally running over pedestrian
Investigators say Atkins was approached by a car whose driver asked if he had narcotics for sale. Investigators said Atkins said he did not have any drugs and was walking away when he was hit.
Atkins managed to walk to a nearby house, whose resident called 911. Atkins died at a hospital from his injuries.
