71 Year-Old Will Not Face Charges For Second ‘Self Defense’ Shooting In Less Than 10 Years

For the second time in less than 10 years, a Johnston County man will not face any charges for shooting another individual.

Around 9pm Monday, Johnston County deputies were called to a shooting in the 8200 block of Buffalo Road outside of Selma.  Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Caldwell said 71 year-old Randall Holmes got into an altercation with his son-in-law. During the incident, Holmes allegedly defended himself by striking Timothy Jason Holmes, 37, in the head with a shovel.

Timothy Holmes then retrieved a handgun and fired but no one was struck, Captain Caldwell said. Randall Holmes then produced a shotgun and shot Timothy Holmes in the leg.

After consulting with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, Captain Caldwell said no criminal charges would be filed and the shooting by Randall Holmes appears to have been in self-defense.  Timothy Holmes was treated and released at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

In September 2006, Randall Holmes shot a 19 year-old who was breaking into his home at 2 o’clock in the morning.  Holmes fired at the suspect, Derrick Barnes, as the teen was fleeing in a car.  The following month, a Johnston County Grand Jury decided in October 2006 there was not sufficient evidence to indict Holmes.  The District Attorney at the time was Tom Lock. Lock said in an interview with WTSB/WMPM News in October 2006 the grand jury did not desire to consider a bill of indictment against Holmes.     

Barnes was convicted in February 2007 of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary. His accomplice, Crystal Morrison, pled guilty to accessory after the fact of burglary.  Both received 3 years probation after being given credit for 160 days in jail while awaiting trial.