A suspect has been arrested in connection with a murder of a 19-year-old in Southern Pines.
Timothy Caldell Stanback, age 25, has been charged with First Degree Murder of Shyheem Ucif Utley, according to a news release from Southern Pines Police Department.
Utley was fatally shot in the rear parking lot at M&S Market on Pennsylvania Avenue on the morning of September 29th. The victim was from Pinebluff.
“This investigation is still active and ongoing. The investigation to date has revealed that this was not a random act of violence and that a nexus existed between the suspect and victim,” said Chief Bob Temme. “Due to the continuous nature of this investigation, additional details are not being released at this time.”
Stanback, from Stafford, Virginia, is currently incarcerated in the Richmond County Jail with no bond. He has a Moore County Court date on October 24th, according to the release.
Chief Temme thanked the men and women of the Southern Pines Police Department and stated “Although facing many obstacles, including the lack of full cooperation from individuals associated with this homicide investigation, these officers persevered as a voice for the victim and as advocates for justice in our community. In the three days that followed, an elite group of highly skilled, trained, dedicated officers from the Southern Pines Police Department worked tirelessly to bring closure for all concerned.”
The Southern Pines Police Department is asking the community to come forward if they have any information pertaining to the murder of Utley to contact them at 910-692-7031 or the Crime Tip Line at 910-693-4110.
