Wilmington man wanted for murder arrested in Virginia, victim identified

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man wanted in a homicide investigation has been arrested out of state.

Earl Hardy Jr., 55, was apprehended at a rest stop in Virginia, according to the Wilmington Police Department. Detectives said they developed probable cause earlier in the day and obtained a warrant charging Hardy with first-degree murder.

The victim who died has been identified as 53-year-old James Bunting.

Wilmington police thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in locating and arresting Hardy.

Authorities said Hardy will be extradited to New Hanover County.

The arrest follows a deadly shooting reported Thursday morning.

Around 8:06 a.m., Wilmington police responded to the 2600 block of Constitution Boulevard after receiving a report of a shooting. Officers found Bunting suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to Novant Health NHRMC, where police said he later died from his injuries.

Investigators previously said the suspect was known to the victim.