news-record.com

GREENSBORO — A first-degree murder charge has been dismissed against a Greensboro man after prosecutors determined the killing was in self-defense.

The charge was dropped Sept. 13 against Edward Sherron Carter Jr., who was accused in the July 31 killing of Markis Corey Bennerman at 911 Caldwell St. in Greensboro.

Assistant District Attorney Howard Neumann said they believe that Carter, 21, shot Bennerman, 26, as Bennerman attempted to rob Carter during a drug deal.

Bennerman had called Carter to buy marijuana, Neumann said.

When he arrived, Benner­man pulled a gun. A struggle ensued, and Carter shot Bennerman outside the house.

A 911 call and investigation corroborated Carter’s version of the events, Neumann said.

“We could not disprove it was self-defense,” Neumann said.

However, Carter pleaded guilty to felonious concealment of a death and possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

Carter tried to stuff Benner­man’s body under the crawl space of a home, Neumann said.

For each crime, he received a suspended sentence of six to eight months.

An autopsy released Monday showed that Bennerman was shot four times during the incident, with one bullet striking him in the head.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com