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Rowan County man charged with killing man he quarreled with, deputies say

The sheriff's office said the suspect was arrested without incident and has his first court appearance on May 23.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The Rowan County Sheriff's Office says a man is now accused of shooting and killing a man they say he had a confrontation with Friday night.

Deputies say they were called to a home along Wildwood Road in Salisbury just before 10 p.m., where they found 61-year-old Ronnie Dale Hoots dead. The office said he had been shot twice.

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Investigators said they determined the suspect to be 60-year-old Erick Brown of Granite Quarry, and that the killing stemmed from issues between the two men that developed earlier in the day. According to deputies, Brown went to Hoots' home for a confrontation and shot him.

Deputies say they went to Brown's home, arresting him without incident. Detectives also found a 9mm handgun they suspect was used in the shooting.

Brown is now charged with murder and was placed in jail with no bond. His first court appearance is May 23, 2022.

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Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.

Because there is no immediate threat to the public or pressing public interest in the case, Brown's mugshot is not included.

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