Murder suspect’s brother arrested in Creekwood killing

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A pair of brothers are now charged with a murder last week in Wilmington’s Creekwood community.

Jermaine Hankins, 21, made his first appearance in New Hanover County Court this morning. Police say after several days on the run, Hankins turned himself in Monday. He now joins his 17-year-old brother Tevin, who police also charged with the murder in Creekwood last week. Jermaine Hankins is also charged with attempted murder and burglary.

“It hurts me to see both of them in this situation, because no one is winning in this situation,” said a man who lives near the scene of the crime. He said he knows the Hankins brothers. He did not want us to show his face or say his name, because he is afraid of what could happen to him for speaking publicly. “It’s kind of scary to think that somebody would just run in your house and gun you down.”

But that’s what happened late Wednesday night when police say a group of five or six men chased Jonathan Jones, 19, and Joseph Hanible, 24, into a home on North 30th Street and shot them. Hanible went to the hospital, but there’s no word on how he’s doing.

It’s the latest example of violent crime in this public housing project.

“I’ve been in this neighborhood for a while, and it’s like people aren’t learning from other people’s mistakes,” the neighbor said. Afraid of being the next victim, he said he wants others in the neighborhood to realize that violence is not the answer.

Jermaine Hankins also was already scheduled to be in court today for drug charges.

Police say the murder investigation is still open.