Crime & Safety
Gastonia Man Sought By Police In Shooting Death Of Teenage Girl
Santonio Eskridge, 19, has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Nivia Danger, 14, who was shot Tuesday afternoon.
GASTONIA, NC — Gastonia Police are searching for a 19-year-old man who they say fatally shot a teenage girl in downtown Gastonia on Tuesday.
Police said Wednesday they are looking for Santonio Azanier Eskridge and have obtained a warrant for his arrest in connection with the shooting death of 14-year-old Nivia Danner. The shooting took place shortly after 1:15 p.m. outside of Rodgers Bail Bonding.
The girl was taken to a local hospital, but later died, police said.
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Eskridge has been charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, police announced in a news release. Police said that the teenager arrived at the Bail Bonds location in a car that Eskridge was driving and was shot while the car was still parked in front of the business.
**MURDER SUSPECT WANTED** Det's obtain arrest warrants charging 19yo Santonio Eskridge w/ 2nd deg murder related to yesterday's homicide of 14yo female that occurred on N. Chester St. If U know where Eskridge is, pls call 911. Full press release here: https://t.co/qeM6UJkOgo pic.twitter.com/xYHRF6losE
— Gastonia Police (@GPDNC) September 15, 2021
Eskridge then left the scene but police were able to locate the vehicle abandoned in a neighboring community, but are still searching for Eskridge.
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Anyone with information about where Eskridge might be should call 911 or the Gastonia Police Department’s non-emergency number at 704-866-6702. You can also call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
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