Man charged with murder in Wilmington stabbing

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police arrested a man in connection to the second homicide of the year.

Jonathan Dwight Southers, 50, is charged with the murder of Yolanda Bentley of Wilmington.

A police spokeswoman said Southers was an acquaintance of the Bentley, 56, who was found dead from a stab wound outside of a building in the 3400 block of Wilshire Boulevard on April 12.

Screams pierced the air before the woman’s body was found at an apartment complex in Wilmington, according to a neighbor who called 911.

According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office jail website, Southers was arrested on Monday and charged with 2nd degree murder and assault on a female.

Southers remains in jail without bond.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website, Southers has prior convictions. In 1994, Southers was convicted of possession of a schedule II substance and receiving stolen goods. In March 1988, Southers was convicted of felony breaking and entering and larceny over $200. In 1985, he was convicted of common law robbery and trespassing and disorderly conduct.