Raleigh man arrested in fatal stabbing at nightclub

Published: July 1, 2010 

Maurio Antonio Smith

Police arrested a 30-year-old Raleigh man early this morning in Wednesday's fatal stabbing at a North Raleigh nightclub.

Mario Antonio Smith, of 5703 Beach Water Drive, was charged in the murder of Dwight Lee Dean of Raleigh, according to an arrest warrant filed with the Wake County Magistrate's Office.

Police found Dean dead at the Zona Rosa nightclub on New Hope Church Road about 2:40 a.m. Wednesday. The club is also known as Studio 440 Lounge.

Police arrested a second man in the case and charged him with accessory after the fact, according to arrest warrants.

Gregory Mecos Lee Watkins, 22, of 217 Heck St., Raleigh, is accused of driving Smith from the nightclub after the stabbing, according to the warrant.

Smith is being held without bond in the Wake County Jail. Watkins is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Order Reprint Back to Top

Top Jobs

View All Top Jobs

Find a Home

$829,900 Raleigh
4 bed, 3 full bath, 1 half bath. Old Southern elegance meets...

Find a Car

Search New Cars
Ads by Yahoo!