Girlfriend of man slain last week faces drug charges

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Staff report
The girlfriend of a man who police say was shot and killed by his brother on Sept. 16 faces two felony drug charges.
Salisbury Police have charged Kelly Lavanda Witherspoon, 24, of 1028 W. Horah St., with possession with intent to sell and distribute marijuana and maintaining a dwelling to keep or sell drugs.
Elbert Leon “Trey” Chambers III, 20, was killed at the West Horah Street house rented by Witherspoon. His brother, Bobby Jonathan Chambers, 19, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Police said several people were hanging out in the house playing a video game.
At some point, according to investigators, Bobby Chambers, mimicking the video game, picked up a semi-automatic pistol, removed the clip in an effort to make sure it was empty, put the gun to his brother’s head and pulled the trigger รณ unaware a bullet was in the chamber.
Police have also discounted reports of multiple gunshots, saying it’s not uncommon to hear gunshots in that area.
Deputy Chief Steve Whitley said residents of the area may well have heard multiple gunshots that afternoon that were not related to the Chambers shooting.
Police seized 70.1 grams (2 ounces) of marijuana from the house while investigating the shooting.
Chief Mark Wilhelm said police also seized two other handguns in addition to the weapon used to kill Trey Chambers.
Wilhelm said Monday police have been in contact with federal authorities, and Bobby Chambers faces federal gun violation charges.