Police rule death near Fayetteville shelter a murder

FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Police have arrested a man after they found a body next to the New Life Mission on Maloney Avenue.

Authorities identified the victim as Ricky Dale Penny, 63, who is listed as a resident of the shelter. Police say he appeared to have suffered trauma to the head.

Antonio Deon Cooper, 33, also a resident of the shelter, was charged with first degree murder. Cooper is a registered sex offender.

He was taken to the Cumberland County Detention Center under no bond.

Detectives are asking for the public's help to find family members of Penny.

Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact Detective Figueroa with the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 273-0661 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).

Report a Typo