‘Habitual felon’ killed man, put body in trash, NC officials say. He’s sentenced
A man designated a “violent habitual felon” has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with a body found in a trash can, according to North Carolina prosecutors.
Read more Manolo’s Bakery has long been a hub for Charlotte immigrant activism. What to know
Tyrell Best, 42, was found guilty of second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, Pitt County District Attorney Faris C. Dixon, Jr. said in an Aug. 21 news release.
The sentence does not include the possibility of parole, Dixon said.
Best has already filed an intent to appeal the verdict, records show.
He is accused of fatally shooting Antonio Bond, 35, in the chest outside a Greenville home on Oct. 8, 2023, prosecutors said.
An acquaintance of the victim discovered the crime later that night, after finding Bond’s “hair protruding (from) the trash can,” court documents say.
Read more Back-to-school means busy weeknights. These Charlotte restaurants have family meals
Bond and Best had been in a brief confrontation earlier in the evening, while talking to the same woman near the intersection of Tyson and Battle streets, officials say.
“Two days after Antonio Bond’s body was found (Greenville police) were able to speak with the defendant,” Dixon said. “Despite Best’s initial denial of any involvement, his interview led to a statement. Best admitted that he was on Battle Street and that he shot Antonio Bond with a 380 handgun, but he claimed it was in self-defense.”
Evidence contradicted his story of being attacked with a box cutter, including an absence of blood on the weapon’s blade, officials said.
Read more Can Trump’s endorsement save Darline Graham from herself in South Carolina? | Opinion
Greenville is about an 80-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.
