SHELBY, N.C. — An off-duty Cleveland County sheriff's deputy is facing a first-degree murder charge after a fatal domestic violence shooting Thursday night left one person dead, authorities said.

The shooting happened at the Crown Ridge Apartments on South Dekalb Street, and it involved Deputy Mitchel Hilton, the sheriff's office said.

The Shelby Police Department responded to the scene and requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI has assumed responsibility for the investigation and the sheriff's office said it is fully cooperating.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time," Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said in a release.

No additional information ab

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