WILMINGTON, N.C. – Police responded to a shooting on Pinecrest Parkway hours before midnight on March 4, 2020. At the scene, they found a man with a gunshot wound — 57-year-old Donald Wayne Gurganious, who died of his injuries the following morning. Days later, police arrested 39-year-old James Girlee Hardy and charged him with First Degree Murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting incident.
According to a news report, a witness told police that they saw two men approach Gurganious’ house just before 10:30 p.m. and fired shots. Video footage obtained from neighboring houses showed the two suspects leaving in a Toyota Highlander after gunshots were heard.
Police had matched the vehicle in the video to the one owned by Mr. Hardy’s wife. The vehicle’s GPS data showed that it was near the victim’s home at the time of the alleged shooting. One officer had reportedly seen Mr. Hardy driving the same vehicle before. When police executed a warrant to search Mr. Hardy’s home, they found a pink 9mm handgun, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Police are still searching for the other suspect. (source: WECT)
Mr. Hardy is facing the following charges:
- First Degree Murder
- Possession of Firearm by Felon
- First Degree Burglary
- Possession of Sch. VI, PWISD Sch. II
- Two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Maintaining in a Dwelling a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Crack Cocaine
In North Carolina, if one is convicted of First Degree Murder, he or she could face life in prison or death.
If you are charged with any of the crimes mentioned in this case, call to get a free consultation with the attorneys at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC.
All individuals accused of crimes are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.