Bond denied, death penalty possible for mall murder suspect

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A judge this morning denied bond for a woman charged with murder after a shooting outside Independence Mall in Wilmington over the weekend.

Traneta Shanaia Campbell, 19, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Catherine Ruth Ballard, 24, Saturday outside the entrance to the mall. Campbell could face the death penalty, but there is still no word on if the state will seek that option.

In court, the prosecution said Campbell shot Ballard point blank in the back of the head. Campbell’s relatives and witnesses who called 911 said the shooting happened after an argument.

US Marshals arrested Campbell and Darius Nelson last night in a shed on Monroe Street. Nelson is charged with accessory after the fact. A prosecutor said Nelson drove Campbell from the scene and got rid of the murder weapon. The judge doubled his bond from $250,000 to $500,000 secured.

Ballard was a student at Cape Fear Community College. She also worked at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.