Search warrants confirm relationship between murder victim and accused killer

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The woman killed in her home on Woods Edge Drive last month was once involved with the accused killer.

Search warrants reveal William Bernicki is the ex-boyfriend of Brittany Fullwood, who was shot to death April 25.

Fullwood lived in the home with Charles Herzig, who stated he lived there “on and off.” According to the documents, Herzig said he got home around 1:25 p.m. and left less than an hour later. While leaving, he saw Bernicki driving down Woods Edge Drive, so he texted Fullwood to tell her.

Herzig told investigators he went back to the house and saw Bernicki inside with a shotgun. He heard Fullwood ask, “Will, what are you doing?” After that, Herzig said he heard gunshots, but did not see the actual shooting.

Fullwood was found lying in the hallway. Investigators say Bernicki shot himself in the face.

Investigators removed several items from the home including several spent shotgun shells, a tablet, 20 gauge barrel and receiver, cell phones, drug paraphernalia, swaps of red stains, ammo, a rifle case, among other items.

Bernicki is charged with first degree murder.

He made his first court appearance last Friday. He is in Central Prison in Raleigh.