CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Family members are pleading for their loved one wanted in connection with a shooting to turn themselves in.
The shooting occurred over the weekend at a home along Highway 127 in Catawba County.
Channel 9 spoke with the alleged suspect’s aunt, Becky Teague, who said she has been encouraging him to reach out to loved ones.
“The longer you wait, the harder it will be. Please, we will come and get you. Please, baby, it’s not as bad as it could have been,” Teague pleaded.
Deputies are reporting that Chandler Jackson shot Preston Miller in the abdomen inside the home late Friday night.
According to court documents, the two men were acquaintances, and Miller identified Jackson as the shooter.
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However, no one has seen Jackson, including his close friend Tyler Philyaw.
“I’ve seen the kid give people the shirt off his back multiple times. I’ve seen him let people live in his house. And don’t see him hurting nobody for nothing,” said Philyaw.
Deputies said they are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting. They also believe Jackson is receiving help from someone in the community.
Family members told Channel 9 that Jackson has struggled with substance abuse issues in the past and they hope he will come forward.
“We need you to turn yourself in before it gets worse. If anyone knows where he is, please tell him to turn himself in,” said Teague.
VIDEO: Father says son killed in Salisbury shooting was an ‘innocent victim’
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