AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
A former Fenton security guard pleaded guilty Wednesday to fatally shooting his best friend and coworker in the mall’s parking garage.
Read more George Kittle Recalls ‘Fantastic’ Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding
Malik Scott-McClarin, 25, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the Dec. 20, 2024, death of Cory Edward McNeill, 23, of Clayton, court records show.
McNeill died in his SUV in the Green parking deck after being shot in the head, The News & Observer previously reported. Scott-McClarin told investigators the pair had been on a break at work and were smoking a joint in the vehicle while playing with their handguns.
Scott-McClarin said the shooting occurred when McNeill accidentally bumped Scott-McClarin’s handgun, according to search warrants. It’s not clear if investigators ever verified that claim.
Scott-McClarin left the scene but returned after calling the Raleigh Police Department, the warrants state. He was charged with murder in the shooting.
Letters submitted to the court in Scott-McClarin’s defense indicated the pair were best friends who worked the same shift so they could carpool. Their manager referred to them as the “dynamic duo” and “Batman and Robin,” a former coworker wrote.
Read more Is recent rain enough to get rid of North Carolina’s drought?
“I knew instantly that it had to be an accident,” wrote another friend in his letter. “They were just too close and they did everything together.”
Scott-McClarin’s aunt told the court he’d been exposed to violence, drugs, homelessness and mental health issues in his childhood, including being kidnapped.
“His life has been filled with instability and uncertainty,” she wrote.
Scott-McClarin’s grandfather described a phone call the evening of the shooting where his grandson apologized through tears for his actions.
“Malik is not a violent person, he prefers to make people laugh instead of causing anyone pain,” his grandfather said.
As part of his plea deal, Superior Court Judge Douglas Green sentenced Scott-McClarin to a minimum of a year and four months and a maximum of two years and five months in prison, with 73 days credit, court records show. He must receive evaluations for substance abuse and mental health concerns while incarcerated.
Read more This new movie was filmed near Raleigh — and it’s popular on streaming
This story was originally published July 23, 2026 at 4:09 PM.