Shelby Officer’s Funeral Takes Place As DA Considers Death Penalty For Suspect

SHELBY, NC — The Cleveland County District Attorney is considering the death penalty in the murder case of the Shelby Police Officer Tim Brackeen.

Police in Rhode Island arrested his suspected shooter, Irving Fenner, Jr., early Wednesday morning.

Police say Fenner shot Officer Tim Brackeen as the officer was serving a warrant for Fenner’s arrest Saturday. Officer Brackeen died in the hospital Monday.

“I would hope that everyone would forgive this young man, that there would be no hatred among anyone for this,” said Jim Brackeen, Officer Brackeen’s father.

The father said he forgives Fenner hours after the suspected killer’s arrest. He says he hopes to speak to Fenner when police bring him back to Shelby.

“To be able to talk with him and to tell him that we forgive him, there’s no hatred with us as a family and to have the opportunity to present the gospel,” said Jim Brackeen.

WCCB Charlotte met with Officer Brackeen’s brother, Stephen, at a vigil on Wednesday. He says he hasn’t left his brother’s side since the shooting.

“I watched and felt forgiveness, kindness, and mercy and the love of Christ in the most real way,” said Stephen Brackeen.

Tuesday, WCCB Charlotte first reported to you when Shelby Police closed in on those close to Fenner. They arrested Deitra Morris for accessory after the fact.

An arrest warrant says she helped Fenner escape, tended to his would and had someone bring him food and water.

Officers also arrested Ashley Hamrick for giving Fenner a place to live when he was wanted before the shooting. Police say at that time, he was a suspect in armed robbery, burglary and kidnapping.

Police found Fenner in Rhode Island Wednesday morning. They say he had a bullet in his lower torso. Investigators are working to confirm if it was an officer’s bullet.

“We are looking at all aspects and angles, and we’re going to fully investigate,” said Capt. Steve Seate with Shelby Police Department.

Police in Rhode Island also arrested Jolisa Peeler for accessory after the fact. Corry Peeler and Hope Wyman face charges of harboring a fugitive.

In New York, police arrested Casey Feener for accessory after the fact.

Since the arrests, flowers continue covering the officer’s patrol car.

“I did melt down,” said Jim Brackeen. “I had a serious emotional moment when I saw that cruiser and read the cards and saw the flowers. That those people were recognizing Tim’s sacrifice.”

In regards to the death penalty, Jim Brackeen said, “We will let that system work, and whatever the peers of that case decide to do is the way we need to handle that.”