By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Jurors began deliberating this morning in the Robert Douglas Earnhardt murder trial.
Jurors heard closing arguments Thursday and returned today from the Christmas holiday.
Earnhardt is facing first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of his stepfather, Billy Tommy Elmore. Elmore was shot in the back of the head Sept. 17, 2009, at the 165 Leisure Lane home that he shared with his estranged wife, Patty Kesler Earnhardt Elmore.
Billy Elmore had moved out of the home a week before his death.
Earnhardt is also charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury for allegedly shooting Tiffany Marie Barbee in the wrist/arm area.
Barbee had driven Billy Elmore to the Leisure Lane home so that he could feed his dog.
Earnhardt, in written statements, said he was defending his mother. Earnhardt said he saw his stepfather draw a gun toward his mother and that’s when he fired. A warning shot Earnhardt said he fired struck Barbee.
Barbee drove herself to Tamarac Marina for help. She was later airlifted to a Charlotte hospital. Barbee eventually had reconstructive surgery on her hand.
See more in Thursday’s Post.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts @ 704-797-4253.