Man accused of killing roommate makes first court appearance

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The man accused of killing his former roommate in a 2009 cold case made his first appearance in New Hanover County this morning.

Investigators say Larry Gonzales, 52, is charged in the death of Alton Corey Vann, 20. Deputies found Vann lying on the side of river road, shot in the head, in January 2009.

At his court appearance this morning, Gonzales entered the room smiling, according to our reporter inside. Gonzales remains in jail under no bond, and he asked for a court-appointed attorney.

A grand jury indicted Gonzales on first degree murder. Police had questioned Gonzales before, and searched his home. According to a search warrant Gonzales was the beneficiary of a $20,000 life insurance policy Vann purchased weeks before his murder.

Gonzales was arrested in Texas last month.