Police: Man charged with shooting, killing another man in Gaston County neighborhood

STANLEY, N.C. — A man has been charged for a shooting in Stanley that left another man dead, according to Stanley police.

Officers said they responded at around 10 p.m. on March 12 to North Buckoak Street near Main Street for reports of a shooting.

Police said they found a man, later identified as Stephon Markes Moore, 35, who had been shot in the head. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Later, detectives said they identified 26-year-old Cornelius “TJ” Tyrone Duff Jr. as a person of interest in the shooting.

Police said they believe Duff was on the run for several days before he turned himself in Monday night. As investigators learned more details in the case, they then charged Duff with murder.

Officers said Moore and Duff lived near each other and that there was an argument which led to the shooting.

Cornelius Duff; Stephon Moore Cornelius Duff; Stephon Moore (WSOC)

Duff appeared in court Tuesday afternoon.

Prosecutor Debbie Gulledge said Duff fired a shot into Moore’s sister’s house across the street.

Moore stepped outside his home and fired a shot in the air, which frustrated Duff, prosecutors said.

“There was some statement to the effect of, ‘I’ll show him,’” Gulledge said.

She said Duff was startled and got an assault-style rifle.

“There is heavy rapid gunfire over here right now,” a caller told 911 dispatch.

The prosecutor said Moore tried to stop arguing.

“The victim was walking into his house at the time he was shot,” Gulledge said. “He was shot in the side of the neck.”

The defense attorney said there is security camera video that shows Moore firing the first shots, and Duff was protecting himself.

“You can see the person in the camera, that being Mr. Duff, turn and return fire,” defense attorney Rick Beam said. “And I can tell the court that I have actually seen that video.”

The judge ordered Duff remain in jail without bond.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Stanley Police Department at 704-263-4778 or Gaston County Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and the Gaston County Police Department, Belmont Police Department and Gastonia City police were assisting.

No other details have been released.

Check back wsoctv.com for updates.

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