DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A Sampson County man has been sentenced to life without parole for a Duplin County murder that happened three years ago.

A jury today found Dexture Smith guilty of first-degree murder, burglary, and possession of a firearm by felon for the death of Reginald Blackmore.

The verdict came at the end of an eight-day trial and after almost four hours of deliberation.

The shooting happened on August 30, 2022 after a break-in at the man’s home outside of Warsaw.

Prosecutors say Smith had become a stepson of Blackmore about a year before the shooting.

At the time, deputies said Smith was one of three men who entered the home and confronted Blackmore.

In addition to life without parole, the 28-year-old Smith was sentenced to six to eight years for the burglary con

See Full Page