An eastern North Carolina boat shop owner tracked down and shot a man who he thought stole a $200,000 boat, but the victim was innocent, investigators say.
David Wayne Gore, 52, was initially charged with felony assault but is now charged with murder, since 34-year-old Allen Blanchard died Monday from the gunshot wound to the head, WECT reported.
David Wayne Gore
BLADEN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
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The 34-foot center console Venture boat was taken Dec. 17 from Gore’s Wilmington business, Gore Marine Metal Fabricators, and a tip led Gore to an abandoned lumber mill near the Kelly community in Bladen County, according to multiple news reports.
Gore found Blanchard and 33-year-old Ryan Ciro Thau, both of Wilmington, at the former Squires Timber, where Blanchard was shot Saturday, the Star-News reported.
Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton later confirmed Blanchard and Thau had nothing to do with the stolen boat, the report said.
Aaron Moody: 919-829-4528, @Aaron_Moody1
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