Crime
William Durham Charged With Murder and Kidnapping in Fatal Shooting of USPS Employee Brandi Reynolds in Wilkes County
HAYS, N.C. — A Wilkes County man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping following the fatal shooting of a U.S. Postal Service employee Friday afternoon in the Hays community, according to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the victim as Brandi Byrd Reynolds, who was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot while inside a vehicle.
The suspect, William Craig Durham, 56, of Roaring River, is being held without bond at the Wilkes County Jail.
According to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 26 to a residence in the 300 block of Monteith Acres Road in Hays after receiving a 911 call reporting that a woman had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they found Reynolds suffering from fatal gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. Despite emergency response efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that Durham allegedly kidnapped Reynolds before she was fatally shot, leading authorities to charge him with both first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
Officials said the kidnapping charge alleges that Reynolds was abducted and seriously injured before her death.
During the investigation, witnesses reported seeing a gray Nissan Altima connected to the incident. Authorities also said the suspect allegedly displayed a firearm and threatened a woman during the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Investigators further confirmed that a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was involved in the incident, and several nearby residents reported hearing multiple gunshots before law enforcement arrived.
Following the investigation, deputies arrested Durham and transported him to the Wilkes County Jail, where he remains held without bond.
According to court records, Durham is scheduled to make his first court appearance on June 29.
The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal shooting and has not released additional details regarding the motive or the relationship between Durham and Reynolds.
Authorities said additional information will be released as the investigation progresses and court proceedings continue.
The case remains an active homicide investigation.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.