Hope Teen Charged with Capital Murder in February Shooting

An 18-year-old Hope man is facing capital murder charges in connection with the February shooting death of a 20-year-old man.

An 18-year-old Hope man is facing capital murder charges in connection with the February shooting death of a 20-year-old man.

According to court records, Cordarianis Kenarel Hampton turned himself in after Rodney Richardson Jr. was shot Feb. 15 in the 900 block of Beech Street.

Investigators say Hampton told authorities the two were meeting to exchange firearms when Richardson leaned into Hampton’s vehicle. Hampton allegedly fired one shot, killing Richardson, then fled the scene with two handguns.

Richardson was taken toward a hospital by bystanders, but a traffic accident occurred during the trip. He was later pronounced dead.

Hampton also faces charges of theft of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. He remains in custody on $1 million bond. If convicted of capital murder, he could face life without parole or the death penalty.

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