Teen shot during drive-by, attempted murder charges against him dropped
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Columbus County deputies are investigating after a teen who had been facing attempted murder charges was shot in the chest during an apparent drive-by shooting within hours of the charges against him being dropped.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says at around 1:45 p.m. yesterday deputies responded to the fire station in Riegelwood about a gunshot wound.
Investigators say earlier an unknown vehicle passed by a home on Sand Hole Road in Riegelwood and fired shots at Jadakiss Watkins, 17, Dacious Daquan Dukes, 18, and Jesse Morgan, 21, who were sitting outside. Investigators say Watkins was shot in the chest and Dukes suffered an injury to his leg.
Dukes and Morgan took Watkins to the fire station for medical assistance. A family member tells WWAY Watkins is “doing fine.” No arrests have been announced in the case.
Back in April, Watkins turned himself into the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office after the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said it was looking for him in connection to a shooting in Bolivia. Brunswick County investigators said Watkins, who was 16 at the time, shot toward a man and woman outside a home on Zack Street April 19 following a brief encounter.
Late this afternoon District Attorney Jon David said his office signed paperwork today to dismiss the attempted murder charges against Watkins. David did not immediately explain why the charges were dropped and if there are any new suspects in the April shooting.
Before the charges were formally dismissed, the Clerk of Court’s office said Watkins got out of jail June 4 after posting a $10,000 bond. He was in court on the attempted murder charges Tuesday, when his case was continued until October.
Court records show he is due in Columbus County court next week on charges of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of a firearm and assault by pointing a gun.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story said Watkins was released from jail on Monday, Aug. 6, based on information provided by the Brunswick County Clerk of Court’s Office. WWAY later learned the correct date was June 4. We apologize for any confusion.
