The Zebulon Police Department reported the arrest of two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Thanksgiving morning. Jason Linwood Hedges, 43, of Zebulon, was taken into custody on allegations of murder after 55-year-old Robert Cummings was found with a gunshot wound on West Barbee Street, as CBS17 detailed.
Officers responded to the scene shortly before 1:30 a.m. and located the victim, Robert Cummings, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, Hedges was arrested at his home and is held without bond at the Wake County Detention Center,, according to police statements. He is slated to appear in Wake County Court tomorrow. Adding to the case details, Armond Duval Ledbetter, 30, also of Zebulon, is charged with accessory after the fact, believed to have assisted Hedges in fleeing from the crime scene, and received a $50,000 secured bond.
Further information acquired by ABC11 suggests the shooting occurred following an altercation involving the victim, his brother, and a group outside the family home. The deceased's son, Damain Cummings, indicated that the family suspects the incident was sparked by this initial disagreement, stating, "investigators told him they think those people left, then came back and shot his father."
Zebulon authorities assert that there is no ongoing threat to the community, maintaining that the incident was isolated. Local residents and the broader public of Zebulon are reassured of their safety, as noted by coverage from WRAL. Both suspects are expected to face the court next week as the investigation continues and the community seeks answers and resolution in the wake of Thanksgiving Day's tragic event.
