The Fayetteville resident who shot an armed man during a home invasion in early August has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after investigators found more than eight ounces of pot in his home while investigating the incident.
Michael E. Murphy, 20, of Windridge Drive, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and obstruction, according to warrants.
It was on Aug. 6 that Murphy shot 21-year-old Fayetteville resident Jordan Collinsworth four times after Collinsworth reportedly cut a screen and entered through a window of the Lakemont subdivision home. Collinsworth, according to earlier reports by Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Mike Whitlow, was armed when he entered the residence.
Murphy upon seeing Collinsworth in the home fired four rounds and struck Collinsworth, who was transported to Grady Hospital in critical condition, according to previous reports.
Officers at the scene of the Aug. 6 shooting found a total of approximately 8.5 ounces of marijuana in the home, according to warrants.
Investigators said Murphy had in his possession and control a black Sentry safe which held a large glass jar containing approximately 213.9 grams (7.5 ounces) of marijuana, a digital scale, plastic baggies and $3,350 in cash. Also, located in the garage in a black backpack belonging to Murphy was a plastic grocery bag which contained approximately 29.4 grams (1 ounce) of marijuana, according to warrants.
The obstruction charge came after Murphy willfully hindered investigators when he provided false information and statements to mislead officers investigating the burglary and the shooting of Collinsworth, warrants said.
The weapons charge dealt with Murphy’s possession of the handgun while in possession of the marijuana with intent to distribute, said warrants.
Whitlow said Murphy lives in the home with other family members.
No other information pertaining to the case is available.
Reports at the time of the Aug. 6 incident indicated that a white male armed intruder in his 20s just before 3 p.m. attempted to gain entry into the residence on Windridge Drive through a locked garage door.
Whitlow said a resident in the home, also in his 20s, heard the noise, went to investigate and found Collinsworth attempting to gain access to the residence through the garage. At that point the resident went and retrieved a handgun, said Whitlow.
Investigators were told that Collinsworth then went to the rear of the house, cut the screen and entered through a window, Whitlow said. It was then that the resident fired his gun and struck Collinsworth four times, Whitlow added.
Whitlow said Collinsworth was transported to Grady Hospital with four gunshot wounds and was in critical condition on Aug. 10.
