DETAILS IN THE ALLEGATIONS

Posted: Aug 11, 2007
Updated: Apr. 6, 2009

LEE COUNTY — LEE COUNTY: Willard Eugene Smith has been on the run since he was 16.  He is now 28 and has been accused of killing a man during a gun fight in Moncure, NC.

The incident happened June 16, 1995.

According to investigators, Willard Smith, nicknamed "Poody", was riding with three friends when the driver of the car decided it was time to collect on a $20 debt. 

The foursome drove to the East Forest Oaks neighborhood, near the Haywood section of Moncure. That's where Smith and friends spotted the man who owed them money.  He was standing near a four-door burgundy Buick with a group of friends.

Smith and the three other men pulled behind the four-door burgundy Buick and demanded the $20. The man who owed the money walked toward his car to get the cash. 

Police say it was during these moments that Smith got into an altercation with another one of the men who was standing near the burgundy Buick. 

According to reports, Smith went ballistic and grabbed one of his friend's handguns.  The other man grabbed his gun and open fire ensued. 

During a hail of gunfire, Smith shot into the burgundy Buick several times. Investigators say that one of Smith's bullets hit a man in the head as he was sitting in the backseat of the burgundy Buick. The 22-year-old man, Rodney Cotton, died on the scene.

Smith fled the scene on foot.  He has been a wanted man ever since. 

Investigators believe Smith may no longer be living in North Carolina, but they report that Smith has family still living near the Lee and Chatham County line, which is relatively near where the shooting occured.

If you have information about Willard Eugene Smith, age now 28, call NC WANTED toll free at 1.866.43.WANTED or click on "Report a Tip" Your information will be kept confidential.

Wanted For:
Murder

Profile:
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Age Now: 28
Height: 5’9” (at time of murder)
Weight: 135 (at time of murder)
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Possible Locations:
Willard Eugene Smith’s family still resides in the Lee County area and may know where he is living.