SHERIFF: SBI agent assisting in Richmond County shooting investigation

ROCKINGHAM — A state law enforcement agency has been called in to assist in the investigation of a shooting that sent a young man to the hospital last month.

Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge announced in a press release late Tuesday that an agent N.C. State Bureau of Investigation will be assisting investigators with the sheriff’s office “as they continue to follow up on any findings and conduct necessary interviews” related to an Aug. 22 shooting on McDonald Church Road.

(Note: The release issued on Sept. 3 lists the shooting date as Aug. 23.)

The sheriff’s office initially reported that a resident of the home had called to report that someone was trying to enter the home.

The male homeowner had reportedly fired several shots in an attempt to get the person at the door to leave — and fired more shots when the person didn’t leave.

The first deputy to arrive on scene reportedly found a male outside the home with gunshot wounds and began to administer first aid.

No names or other details were released by the sheriff’s office.

However, lawyers hired by the family of the man who was shot identified him as 23-year-old Jaydn McNeill, who lived nearby. The shooter was identified as 72-year-old Wiliam Griffin.

Attorneys Harry Daniels and Carnell Johnson issued a press release on Aug. 30 asking why charges hadn’t been filed against Griffin.

According to the lawyers, McNeill had gone to Griffin’s home “to talk and spread his Christian faith” when he was shot. They say seven shots were fired and McNeill was shot five times.

McNeill has no prior convictions, state records show.

As of Sept. 3, the sheriff’s office said the investigation was ongoing and preliminary findings have been turned over to the district attorney’s office.

The RCSO is not releasing any other details at this time “to ensure the integrity of the investigation.”