Police: 20-year-old charged with murder in deadly Hope Mills teen shooting

HOPE MILLS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Authorities have charged two people in connection with the deadly shooting of a teenage girl in Hope Mills over the weekend.

Hope Mills police say officers were called to Fox Ridge Road around 12:20 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found 16-year-old Khamari Harrison suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

On Wednesday, investigators charged Julius Smith, 20, of Trevino Street in Hope Mills, with first-degree murder and multiple firearm offenses in connection to the shooting, according to Police Chief Dollinger.

Officials say Smith was originally arrested Monday on unrelated charges. He was formally charged in the teen's shooting on Wednesday.

Police also charged Brittany Grant, 37, who investigators say is Smith's aunt. Authorities allege Grant helped Smith leave the scene after the shooting. She turned herself in following the issuance of a warrant and was charged Tuesday with accessory after the fact.

Investigators say some weapons have been recovered, though they are still working to determine whether any of them were used in the shooting.

Police credited the progress in the case to extensive investigative work, including the use of video surveillance and license plate reader technology.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Detective Labretta McBryde at 910-425-3385 or 910-425-4103.

Police say additional updates will be shared as the investigation continues.