Public Safety: Morganton man charged with murder after shooting, killing son

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By Dave Faherty

MORGANTON, N.C. — Morganton Public Safety officials have charged a man in the shooting death of his son.

Police charged 49-year-old Tony Jerome Odum with murder after he allegedly shot his 27-year-old son, Emanuel Odum.

Officials said Emanuel Odum called 911 and said he was in an argument with his father, who had a gun.

Officers said they found Emanuel Odum with a gunshot wound to the chest in the driveway.

According to officials, an initial investigation revealed Emanuel Odum had been shot with a rifle inside the mobile home.

He later died at the hospital as a result of his injuries.

Channel 9's Dave Faherty learned that the victim's mother allegedly knocked the rifle out of her husband's hand at one point, but left prior to the shooting.

She told Channel 9 that when she returned to the home on Ross Street, she confronted her husband about why he committed the crime.

Family members showed Faherty where one bullet tore through the ceiling and another struck a wall in the living room.

They told Channel 9 that Emanuel Odom has struggled since he was involved in a serious car accident three years ago.

“He made a terrible mistake he’s going have to live with the rest of his life,” the victim’s brother, Tony Odum, said.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation and helped to identify Tony Odum as a suspect in the case.

Authorities said Tony Odum is being held with no bond and has a court date set for Nov. 21 in Burke County District Court.

Channel 9 asked the lead investigator for a chance to listen to the 911 call made by Emanuel Odum before he was shot but has not heard back.

No further information has been released. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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