RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — A teen accused of killing a junior firefighter appeared in Richmond County Court on Thursday.

Prosecutors stated they would not seek the death penalty against Connor Williams, 17, who is charged with the death of Gabriel Ennis . A Rule 24 hearing was held for Williams on Thursday on the decision.

Williams is charged with first-degree murder in Ennis' death. Police say he shot and killed Gabriel on June 22 at a home on Wallace Road near Ellerbe. Gabriel was a junior firefighter with Cordova Fire & Rescue.

A murder indictment was returned against Williams in August. The North Carolina General Assembly enacted a law in 2024 that automatically charges 16 and 17-year-olds as adults for felonies such as murder.

Williams' next court date is scheduled for Jan. 5.

Cordo

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