NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — The New Bern Police Department has identified the victim involved in the Brdigepointe Hotel and Marina murder from the weekend.
The victim has been identified as Shannelle Patterson, 31, of Plymouth. Eric Lipford had his first appearance on Monday morning and will remain in custody with no bond.
Family members who spoke with WNCT’s Madison Forsey say they are stunned at Patterson’s murder. They said they feel for the loss of Patterson deeply, but they also feel like they’ve lost their nephew and cousin as well.
Officials said Patterson and Lipford were staying at the Bridgeport Hotel and Marina at the time of the shooting. A child of the couple was also in the vehicle where Patterson was shot and her body was found by police.
Family members who spoke to Forsey said the couple were visiting family in New Bern and were thinking about staying in the city long term.
“I know he did not do no harm to this girl, he loved the ground this girl walked on, he wanted to help them,” said Sonya Nobles, one of Lipford’s aunts. “He loved his son dearly. I know he would not have shot no gun in front of his son, he wouldn’t have done that.”
Capt. David Daniels of the New Bern Police Department said he wasn’t able to say much more about the investigation since it was still ongoing. He did say they are taking a look at evidence from the scene, security footage and talking to witnesses to get a firm grasp of what happened and why.
Lipford is due back in court on April 26.
The investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to contact the New Bern Police Department TIPS line at (252) 636-5034 or Craven County Crime Stopper line at (252) 633-5141.
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NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — A suspect has been arrested and is charged with murder in the death of a woman who was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle Saturday morning. She later died from her injuries.
Eric Daniel Lipford, 33, of Plymouth, was identified as a suspect. Investigators said Lipford and the victim, who has not been identified, were acquaintances and the shooting was an isolated incident.
Lipford was taken from the scene to the New Bern Police Department where he was charged with an open count of murder. He is being held in the Craven County Jail under no bond.
Lipford’s first court appearance is Monday.
At approximately 9:26 a.m. Saturday, New Bern Police responded to the Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina, 101 Howell Road, in reference to an individual who had been shot. The victim was transported to CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, where she died.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the New Bern Police Department TIPS line at (252) 636-5034 or Craven County Crime Stopper line at (252) 633-5141.
