Bond denied for second suspect in trooper’s murder

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The second suspect charged in the murder of a NC Highway Patrol trooper returned to North Carolina today, where he was denied bond during his first court appearance in Columbus County.

Chauncy Askew, 18, is charged with the murder of Tpr. Kevin Conner, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop one week ago in Columbus County. Raheem Davis is also charged with Conner’s murder.

In court today District Attorney Jon David said surveillance video from a convenience store at the South Carolina state line showed Askew get into the drivers seat of a white pick-up truck. That was about 15 minutes before Conner pulled over the truck, which was reported stolen, for speeding just after midnight on Oct. 17. Conner was shot during the stop and died later at the hospital. Investigators have not yet said whether Askew or Davis pulled the trigger or if they’ve found the gun used in the shooting.

David also told the court that Conner’s dashcam video shows two people in the truck. David said more video evidence will likely show the same thing.

Investigators arrested Askew yesterday in Loris, SC. He waived extradition and was brought back to Columbus County this afternoon ahead of his first appearance. David says Askew’s criminal record includes felony convictions for possession of a stolen firearm in 2017 and breaking and entering in August.

Officers arrested Davis hours after the shooting after a chase in Fair Bluff. He is also in jail without bond. Records show Davis was convicted last year of shooting into occupied property.

Conner, 38, was laid to rest Sunday. He leaves behind a wife and two children.