Deputies were joined by Henderson County EMS and Green River Fire personnel, who provided immediate medical care on the scene. The individual was then transported to Mission Hospital. Tragically, despite all life-saving efforts, the victim died from their injuries the following day, October 9, 2025.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Following investigative efforts and interviews, Justin David Sherrill, age 34, has been charged with the following:
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (NCGS 14-415.1)
14-415.1. Possession of firearms, etc., by felon prohibited. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to purchase, own, possess, or have in his custody, care, or control any firearm or any weapon of mass death and destruction as defined in G.S. 14-288.8(c). For the purposes of this section, a firearm is (i) any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or its frame or receiver, or (ii) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer. This section does not apply to an antique firearm, as defined in G.S. 14-409.11.
• Negligent Child Abuse Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (NCGS 14-318.4)
§ 14-318.4. Child abuse a felony. (a4) A parent or any other person providing care to or supervision of a child less than 16 years of age whose willful act or grossly negligent omission in the care of the child shows a reckless disregard for human life is guilty of a Class E felony if the act or omission results in serious bodily injury to the child.
To preserve the integrity of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office will release no further details pending adjudication in court.
Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.
WNCTimes

