21-year-old facing involuntary manslaughter charge appeared in court

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A 21-year-old man facing an involuntary manslaughter charge following a deadly shooting early Saturday morning in Wilmington appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Charles Lane retained his own attorney.

Lane is currently being held on a $50,000 secured bond.

Wilmington Police say officers responded shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday to an apartment in the 4900 block of Pepys Lane for a report of a man suffering from a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found Zachary Smith, 21, with a single gunshot wound. Emergency personnel provided aid at the scene before Smith was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

After consulting with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, investigators charged Charles Lane, 21, with involuntary manslaughter.