On May 17, 2023, 47-year-old William Ronnie Oliver Jr. was shot and killed outside his home on Progressive Church Road in Princeton, North Carolina. Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded after a 911 call at about 7:25 p.m. from 73-year-old Joe Mitchell of Old Smithfield Road, who reported that he and Oliver had been involved in an altercation during which Mitchell discharged his firearm. Deputies found Oliver deceased from an apparent gunshot wound; Mitchell remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

The two men were known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship and the motive for the altercation were not disclosed. After investigation and consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, authorities announced that no criminal charges would be filed against Mitchell; details explaining that decision were not released. Oliver worked as a horse farrier, loved horses and trail riding, and is survived by his sister Christy Lewis, his fiancée Susan Barnacascel, and extended family.

Did anyone in the area know the relationship between Oliver and Mitchell or have information about what led to the confrontation?