By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Authorities have released the name of a would-be robber who was shot and killed by a North Lee Street homeowner late Saturday night.
Officers responded at 10:28 p.m. to a report of a shooting at 820 North Lee St. where homeowner Jack Javis had shot someone trying to rob him.
Salisbury Police say Marlon Jermaine Barber, 23, went into the North Lee Street home, demanded money and a scuffle ensued.
As of this time, it is unclear whether Javis and Barber were acquainted with one another, Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins said in a statement.
Javis had facial injuries resulting from a physical altercation. Officers learned that moments before the incident, a guest had arrived at Javis’ home, a statement said.
After the two had talked for a short period, a black male opened the front door and walked inside the house without knocking or being invited.
Immediately upon entering the house, the black male, later identified as Barber, pointed a handgun at Javis.
During the fight, Barber’s gun fell from his hand to the floor. Javis was able to reach the handgun first. After reaching the gun, however, and while still lying on the floor, Barber jumped onto Javis’ back.
As the two continued to struggle, Javis turned the gun around and shot over his shoulder. The bullet struck Barber in the chest area. Barber then left the house on foot.
In an obvious attempt to seek help, Barber ran to a nearby house just around the corner at 125 E. Steele St.
Barber collapsed on the front porch of that home.
Occupants of the East Steele Street residence heard Barber on the porch and made an effort to revive him, the statement said.
The occupant could not revive Barber and he died.
Javis was taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center by ambulance for treatment.
“The Salisbury Police Department is quite familiar with Marlon Barber, as our department has encountered him on multiple occasions over several years,” Collins said.
In 2008, the Post reported that a 19-year-old Barber, also known as “Murda,” who had known gang affiliations, beat up a man walking in a neighborhood because he was white.
The victim, who lived in the east Salisbury neighborhood, was pistol whipped. The incident involved Barber and a group of other teens. The man was treated at the hospital.
One neighbor, Addie “Sue” Judge, told a Post reporter the night of the shooting Javis knocked on her door asking for help.
She was so scared she didn’t let Javis inside, she said, a decision she regrets.
Judge called 911. She, along with other neighbors waited outside while officers investigated. Neighbors said it was about two weeks ago that Javis was robbed at his home.
The investigation continues.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.