Gastonia, N.C. - July 8, 2022: Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) have charged 48-year-old Eric Smith, of Gastonia with first-degree murder after the June 21 shooting death of 31-year-old Keenen Deangelo Banner of Shelby, N.C. Quanesha Renee Douglas, age 24, of Gastonia, was charged with accessory after the fact of homicide and obstruction of justice. Donald Lamar Johnson, age 44, of Gastonia, was charged with accessory after the fact of homicide. Investigators determined that Banner and the three defendants were known to each other.
Upon arrival, first responders located Banner outside in front of a home on Rankin Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound. Banner was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, detectives identified Smith as the suspect who shot Banner and determined that Douglas drove Smith from the crime scene. Investigators further determined that Johnson assisted in moving Banner’s body after the shooting.
Smith, Douglas, and Johnson were arrested yesterday afternoon (July 7) and transported to the Gaston County Jail.
Smith is being held without bond. Douglas is being held on a $200,000 bond. Johnson is being held on a $250,000 bond.
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Eric Smith
Quanesha Douglas
Donald Johnson
