JOHNSTON COUNTY – The first of three defendants to stand trial for the fatal shooting of a motorist on US 301 in Selma has been found guilty.
On September 5th, a Johnston County jury found Daniel Antonio Surles guilty of first degree murder, ten counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The charges stemmed from shooting death of Michael Boyle Jr, age 46, of Charlotte. On January 7 , 2021, Selma Police responded to a shooting that occurred on US 301 (Pollock Street) near Poole Drive. The body of Mr. Boyle was discovered in his pickup truck. He died from two gunshot wounds.
After hearing multiple weeks of testimony from law enforcement officers, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation agents, and an expert from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges.
Superior Court Judge Paul Holcombe presided over the trial and sentenced Daniel Antonio Surles to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The State of North Carolina was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Keith Gordon and Paul Jackson.
ADA Gordon thanked the jury for their service and consideration of all the evidence. “We are grateful that justice has been served in this case. There were many law enforcement officers and agencies who worked together to solve this senseless murder. We want to thank Special Agent Mike Ludwig of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and retired Selma Police detectives Jonathan Solomon and Charles Eason along with the many officers and agents of the Selma Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless work to bring justice in this case. We are also indebted to Federal Bureau of Investigation CAST Agent Harrison Putman and Johnston County District Attorney Investigator Rick Hoffman for lending their expertise to the investigation.”
“Our deepest condolences go out to Michael’s father, mother, and brothers who have stood resolute with us in our efforts to bring justice for Michael. We hope this verdict helps them find some solace. The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting violent crime,” ADA Gordon said.
Two other co-defendants are awaiting trial. They are Gilbert Lee King of Selma and Sammy Gonzalez of Smithfield.
Thank you to all that helped with 1 down 2 to go.michael was my nephew,his mother is my sister.my heart breaks when I see her pain.keep fighting for justice for our michael.much love Michael’s aunt