A shooting that occurred at King’s Leathercraft and Sportswear store in Murphy on the afternoon of March 14th is currently being investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities report that a store employee is accused of shooting a man in the parking lot of the business. Daniel Hughes of Murphy is charged with 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of 44 year old Terry Owenby of Murphy, NC.

According to reports from the Sheriff, Mr. Owenby had been involved in a motor vehicle accident and parked his vehicle in the parking lot of the store so he could wait for a tow truck. Initial investigations find that Hughes confronted Owenby and asked him to move his car. Shortly thereafter an altercation occurred and alledgedly Hughes then pulled a gun and shot Owenby.

Hughes was arrested and is being held at the Cherokee County Jail. FYN will have additional information as it becomes available.

News release from Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer: MAN DEAD AFTER ARGUMENT

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that about 3:24 pm law enforcement and rescue units were called to Kings Leather Craft in the Ranger Community of Cherokee County to respond to a report of a person being shot.

At about 3:24 pm on March 14, 2015 the Cheorkee County Communications Center received a call from an man stating that there was a man in the parking lot of Kings Leather Craft who had been shot. The call was dispatched to public safety units. Upon arrival 44 year old Terry Dwayne Ownbey was found laying in the parking lot. Life saving efforts were attempted but were unsuccessful.

55 year old Daniel James Hughes, who gave a Murphy North Carolina address, was arrested and taken to the Cheorkee County Detention Center. Hughes is charged with Second Degree Murder and no bond has been set.

Sheriff Palmer stated “We are in the very early stages of the investigation. It appears that there was some type of altercation between Mr. Hughes and Mr. Ownbey which resulted in Mr. Ownbey’s death. This is a very bad situation for both families and we send our prayers to them.”

Sheriff Palmer also thanked the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Murphy Police Department, Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services, Cherokee County Rescue Squad and Ranger Fire Department for their assistance in this terrible situation. “One of the greatest resources of Cherokee County is it’s ability to come together in tragedy. Today you see dedicated people banding together to help start the healing process.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.