Investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office have determined that three incidents are related and are seeking help to resolve the case.
On October 5, 2020, at 11:42 p.m., The Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center received a call from a female stating that someone had tried to assault Duran Baker at the Travel Inn, located at 4520 Greensboro Road, Ridgeway.
Deputies responded to the area and were unable to locate the 911 caller or Duran Baker.
A second caller at 1:09 a.m., reported an individual had been shot in connection with an incident in the 1800 block of Virginia Avenue in Collinsville.
Deputies responding to the scene met Duran “Ace” O’Shane Baker, 23, of Axton.
Baker reported that he was walking on Virginia Avenue when someone traveling in a black vehicle fired a single gunshot out the window.
Investigators were told that a short time later, Baker realized he had been shot in the arm. He was transported to SOVAH Health Martinsville, where he was treated and released.
Baker refused to provide any additional information and authorities allege he currently is not cooperating with the investigation.
On October 6, 2020, at 7:31 a.m., the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center received a call that Deanna Ruth McNeil, 31, of Ridgeway, was at UNC Rockingham Health Care, in Eden, N.C., after suffering a single gunshot wound to the leg.
Investigators were told that McNeil was in the Ridgeway area with a man she knew as “Ace.”
Investigators were told that an unknown man attacked “Ace” and that “Ace” pulled out a firearm during the altercation.
McNeil stated that when “Ace” pulled the gun out, he didn’t know how to operate it, and she believes the firearm accidentally discharged and caused her injury.
Investigators allege they have received multiple accounts of what took place, with those affected refusing to provide additional information, and a lack of cooperation with the investigation.
Authorities also speculate it is likely that a single event resulted in both shooting injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
