Former MLB Draft Pick Arrested for Fatal Shooting in North Carolina
A former Major League Baseball (MLB) draft pick, Brian Grant, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a locksmith in North Carolina. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, leading to serious criminal charges that have shocked the local community.
Details of the Incident
According to the Oak Island Police Department, authorities responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Randy Stewart, a 61-year-old locksmith, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Grant, 40, is currently being held at the Brunswick County Detention Center without bond and faces charges of second-degree murder.
Grant’s Defense Claims
In reports cited by WRAL News, Grant claims that he acted in self-defense, stating that Stewart had put a knife to his throat. His attorney highlighted that Grant has no prior criminal record and is a family man with young children. The nature of the dispute and its escalation has raised critical questions surrounding the case.
Background on Brian Grant
Brian Grant was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays after impressing scouts at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, North Carolina. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 207 pounds, Grant demonstrated considerable potential on the baseball field, though he didn’t make it to the Major Leagues.
Minor League Career Highlights:
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Teams Played For:
- Medicine Hat Blue Jays (2002)
- Pulaski Blue Jays (2003-2004)
- Auburn Doubledays (2004-2005)
- Career Stats:
- ERA: 4.72
- Innings Pitched: 169.2
- Strikeouts: 111
Context of the Shooting
The alleged shooting took place in Grant’s second home, during what appears to have been a service call by Stewart’s locksmith company. The complex circumstances surrounding the incident continue to unfold as investigations progress.
Upcoming Court Appearances
Brian Grant made his initial court appearance on Thursday and is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on August 11. His legal team is preparing to present the argument that his actions were justified as self-defense.
Community Response
This incident has sent ripples through the community in Fuquay-Varina, where Grant resides approximately 20 miles south of Raleigh. Local authorities and citizens alike are expressing shock at the violent turn of events.
For further details on the case, visit WRAL News or Wilmington Star-News.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
