A man that authorities say is in the county illegally has been arrested in the shooting death of a Hamlet man.
Uribe Morales Avalos of Mexico is accused of killing 26-year-old David Delon Hernadez.
Avalos is also charged with shooting Miquel Valencia Sanches of Laurinburg. Sanches, who was shot in the neck, has been hospitalized.
Scotland County Sheriff Shep Jones said the shooting occurred as the men were working in a field on Joe’s Creek Road, off US 74 at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“It appears that the men were collecting pine straw and drinking and got into an argument,” Jones said. “We believe the (Avalos) went to his truck and retrieved a rifle and shot the other two men.”
Hernadez, of 178 Maynor Road in Hamlet, was shot in the upper body, according to Jones. He died at the scene.
Jones said that Sanches of 20780 Harrison Road, Laurinburg was struck in the neck. Sanches was taken to Scotland Memorial and later transferred to another facility. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Jones said Avalos used a 22-caliber rifle to shoot both men. He was taken into custody without incident, Jones said.
Avalos, who authorities estimate is in his 30s, has also been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and intent to kill and inflict serious injury. He is being held in the Scotland County jail without bail. His first court appearance was Wednesday. Authorities do not have a an address for Avalos.
Jones said that translators have been brought in to assist with interviewing Avalos, witnesses and the surviving victim.
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