Suspect accused of killing man, seriously hurting woman blows kiss in court

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The man accused of shooting a woman and her son inside their Catawba County home faced a judge Thursday.

Scott Anthony Putman blew a kiss to friends after deputies brought him into the courtroom.

Authorities said the double shooting became a homicide investigation after 24-year-old Anthony Killian died Tuesday night. His mother was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries but has been upgraded to serious condition, officials said.

"Anthony was a darn good person. He'd do anything for you,” said Karen Smith, a relative of Killian. “None of us are perfect. The good Lord didn't make us perfect."

Deputies told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty they received a 911 call around 10:15 p.m. and responded to the home along Curlee Road, north of Conover.

When they arrived, they found both victims had been shot.

Authorities said the woman's husband was home at the time and witnessed the crime, as was her son's girlfriend. Officials said they are interviewing both of them.

Authorities said they found Putnam at his home on Naked Creek Circle, not far from the homicide scene. He was taken into custody without incident.

"I was just washing some clothes and the next thing I heard was three gunshots and the dog bark,” neighbor Jennifer Fry said. “The next thing I know there were police officers everywhere."

Putnam's wife said her husband believed the shooting was justified after getting into a dispute with Killian.

Deputies confirmed to Channel 9 there have been problems between the families, but would not reveal what prompted this particular dispute.

Investigators searched Putnam's home for hours looking for evidence in the case and weapon used in the crime.

They said there were several children inside the home they made the arrest.

"It was definitely a tense situation,” said Lt. Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. “Doing our best to maintain officer safety and preserve the safety of others."

Putnam is charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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