FROM STAFF REPORTS

A resident of a local assisted-living facility has been charged with murder in connection with the death of his roommate following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Greggory Gerald Warner, 61, of Phelps Drive, Winston-Salem, in a news release Wednesday.

The ICSO began investigating on Friday, June 2, after deputies responded to Heritage Place Adult Living Center, located at 1372 Eufola Road near Statesville, in reference to an assault that had just occurred, the sheriff said.

Employees of the facility called 911 after learning one of the residents had been assaulted by a roommate, according to the news release. When deputies arrived, they found the victim was conscious and had been beaten repeatedly in the head with a blunt object, Campbell said.

The victim, identified as Mark Gray Leggette, 69, of Lincolnton was in need of emergency medical care due to wounds suffered during the assault and was immediately transported by Iredell County Emergency Medical Service personnel to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

The victim’s roommate, Warner, was still on the scene and taken into custody immediately. 

Deputies and detectives interviewed witnesses at the scene and recovered evidence. Warner was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and issued a $20,000 secured bond by Magistrate Russell.

On Friday, June 9, detectives learned Leggette had passed away while at the hospital. On the following Monday, an autopsy was conducted. A Medical Examiner determined Leggette’s death was caused by injuries received during the assault, Campbell said.

Detectives obtained a warrant charging Warner with First-Degree Murder.

On Tuesday, June 12, Warner, who was still in custody, was charged with First-Degree Murder in the death of Mark Gary Leggette. He was ordered held without bond by Magistrate Chambers.