The wife of a Johnston County man arrested earlier this month for attempted murder has been charged with tampering with evidence.
Marie Elizabeth Aberant, 69, of 60 Waymon Way, Clayton was charged Aug. 20th by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office with accessory after the fact.
On August 11th, her husband, 59 year-old Joseph Kalvin Aberant allegedly used a rifle to shoot his daughter’s boyfriend, 36 year-old Alex Ortiz, seven times while inside a home they shared.
Ortiz is still recovering.
According to a copy of a search warrant obtained by WTSB News, it appears Joseph Aberant and Alex Ortiz argued about rent money and bills prior to the shooting. After her husband allegedly shot Ortiz, the warrant states, “Marie said she retrieved the rifle and ammunition from the residence, walked across the street, and dropped the items.”
Later, she led detectives to a field across the roadway where she had placed the rifle and ammunition.
During an additional interview, the warrant alleges Marie Aberant admitted to purchasing the 22 caliber rifle hours before the shooting from Walmart in Clayton. She said her husband purchased the ammunition at another location in Clayton. “Marie said she purchased the rifle for Joseph because she knew he was a convicted felon,” the warrant stated.
Joseph Aberant remains in the Johnston County Jail under a $1,040,000 bond. Bail for his wife was set at $250,000.
