TROUTMAN, N.C. — Investigators say a homeowner shot and killed a man Tuesday evening in Troutman.
Detectives say they first believed the homeowner, Jackson Tyler, shot and killed an intruder but they have now charged Tyler with murder.
Authorities say Tyler told them he was the only person at the home on Brookcreek Drive when a female knocked on the door and the victim, Kelvin Velez, rushed into the home with a gun and started shooting at him.
Tyler told investigators in his initial statement that he turned around and saw the man dead in the living room, according to a news release. The release also states that Tyler initially said he did not know Velez or how he got shot.
Detectives say they later determined that the two men did know each other and that Tyler waited approximately an hour before anyone called 911.
Officials say a search of the home revealed a large quantity of illegal drugs that included marijuana and over 3,000 tablets of suspected ecstasy. Detectives also reportedly found homemade suppressors and other firearm components in the home.
Detectives say there was no evidence that Velez shot at Tyler as he previously stated. Tyler later told a detective that he might have had a gun and might have tripped and accidentally shot Velez, according to a news release.
Tyler has been charged with murder. Officials say both the victim and the suspect have past criminal arrests for drug related offenses. Additional charges are expected in the case.
