Wilmington, North Carolina Man Earl Hardy Jr. Arrested in Virginia for Fatal New Year’s Day Shooting

Wilmington, North Carolina Man Earl Hardy Jr. Arrested in Virginia for Fatal New Year’s Day Shooting

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Earl Hardy Jr., a 55-year-old resident of Wilmington, was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day at a local apartment complex.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, Hardy was taken into custody late Thursday at a rest stop in Virginia following an investigation into a shooting reported around 8 a.m. Jan. 1 in the 2600 block of Constitution Boulevard at The Pines of Wilmington apartment community. Authorities say the incident resulted in the death of 53-year-old James Bunting, who was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Hardy is expected to be extradited to New Hanover County. He was transported to a Virginia detention facility and is currently facing a charge of first-degree murder related to the incident.