News

Shooter in death of Cardinal Drive-In owner convicted of murder

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 5, 2022

BREVARD — The shooter in the "cold-blooded murder" of the owner of the Cardinal Drive-In as he walked outside carrying the day's receipts was convicted of first-degree murder Tuesday and was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday along with two accomplices who have pleaded guilty, WLOS reported.

Prosecutors said that Davieyon Devall Hopkins Jr., of Hendersonville, shot and killed Waybern Shelton as he exited the popular drive-in — Brevard's version of Hot Dog World. Hopkins was also charged with the attempted first-degree murder of Rebecca Shelton, along with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

District Attorney Andrew Murray and Assistant District Attorney Beth Dierauf prosecuted the case.

Murray told WLOS news that Hopkins gave Shelton no chance to voluntarily give up the bank bag before gunning him down from 15 feet away, calling the shooting a "cold-blooded murder." A combat veteran, the restaurant owner "did not need to die," the D.A. added.

Defense attorney Michael Edney represented Hopkins. Superior Court Joseph N. Crosswhite of Iredell County presided over the trial.