Magnolia man acquitted in murder trial linked to self-defense claims

Victor Thomas Parker Jr., a resident of Magnolia, was found not guilty by a jury in Duplin County Superior Court following a brief deliberation of less than an hour. This verdict came after an intense four-day murder trial that concluded on April 17. 

According to a media release from the office of attorney Kennedy L. Thompson, the events leading to the trial stemmed from a tragic incident that occurred on July 14, 2021. During this incident, Parker shot and killed 53-year-old Tammy James on his front porch, claiming that he acted in self-defense. 

Evidence presented by the defense attorneys during the trial indicated that James had previously made threats against Parker, contributing to his fear for his safety. Furthermore, the defense argued that Parker was justified in his actions because he believed he was protecting his home from unlawful entry after having previously asked James to leave the property, driven by concerns about her suspected drug use.