North Carolina police are investigating a possible hate crime after a white man shot a black motorcyclist dead at a stoplight.
According to WRAL, motorcyclist Stephen Addison, 32, was killed by truck driver Roger Dale Nobles, 51, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this past Monday. Apparently, the truck driver had his son in the car; his son knew he was planning to shoot.
The incident occurred at a stoplight when the son got out of the car to argue with the motorcyclist. By the time he got back in the car, his dad had pulled out a shotgun rifle and fired it at Addison. Nobles was charged with first-degree murder after admitting to killing Addison.
Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West says that further charges should be looked at like a connection to a hate crime.
West says, “If the evidence warrants that type of charge, it’s certainly something we would look at and pursue.” Addison was left on the road for dead after the suspect drove off.
Nobles’ neighbor, Shahara Chance, came forward about his behavior. He had a history of aggressive behavior and used racial slurs towards her.
According to The New York Post, Shahara says, “He done drove in my yard and took pictures of me on my porch. He’s shot his gun in the air telling me to turn my music down. I done been through hell with this man.” Nobles Sr. was booked into Cumberland County jail without bond.
Nobles Jr. wasn’t charged with murder. Defense attorney Daniel Meier says, “You don’t have an obligation to report a criminal activity, even if you know the person who committed it.”
The son didn’t flinch, nor did he help the dying victim. Meier continues, “You can watch a crime occur right in front of you, and you don’t have to call the police.”
Addison was a father and loving husband. His wife, Justina Hemphill, says, “Stephen was a great guy, people always say someone lit up a room. My husband lit up every room he went into.”
