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A father accused of shooting and killing his son at a Myers Park home appeared in court Friday.
Earnest Howard Gurley Jr., 63, made his first court appearance Friday afternoon, just one day after allegedly shooting and killing his adopted son during an argument at their home. During the appearance he showed very little emotion and did not speak.
Police were called to the home off of Fairfax Drive after around 8:45 a.m. Thursday. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim, 20-year-old Benjamin Gurley, on the front lawn suffering from a gunshot wound.
Authorities believe the shooting occurred during a verbal altercation between the two men.
“All I can say is he’s obviously very upset, very distraught,” said Gurley Jr.’s attorney, Casey Viser. “Obviously the entire family is.”
There are allegations that the two argued about items that the 20-year-old had been stealing from other family members. The shooting occurred inside the home but Gurley was able to make it outside where he collapsed and later died from his injury, according to police.
Gurley Jr. spent several hours talking to investigators on Thursday after the incident. He allegedly called 911 after shooting his son.
“I think you could characterize his cooperation thus far as being complete and open,” Viser added.
Gurley Jr. did not acknowledge family members who appeared at Friday’s hearing. After the court appearance, no one from the Gurley family wanted to talk to reporters.
Gurley Jr. remains behind bars without bond and will have a bond hearing on June 27.
