Roxboro police chief takes on social media over weekend murder
ROXBORO, NC (WTVD) -- Roxboro Police Chief David Hess is taking on social media trolls after a weekend murder in his community.
Police charged 31-year-old Bennie Harris with first-degree murder after he allegedly shot 23-year-old Jaleel Downey during an argument Saturday.
Downey was taken to Person Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Since the murder, Chief Hess says he's seen ugly inflammatory and racist comments posted online. He said Monday such comments are unwanted and inappropriate.
"The intense, emotional, very vile threatening messages that were posted on our Facebook page burdened me and caused me grave concern for the well-being of this community," said Chief Hess
"And we want to stop that," Hess continued. "The families of this tragedy deserve to have closure. I would say to those who are promoting violence and keeping anger and emotions stirred up that they're really doing their friends and family a disservice."
Harris is being held without bond. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Roxboro Police Department at (336) 599-8345.
