The man accused of fatally shooting a Charlotte Observer carrier during what police say was a robbery attempt earlier this year has pleaded not guilty. Twenty-three-year-old Roger Best is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of 65-year-old Walter “Wes” Scott Jr. Scott was shot around 2:30 a.m. on February 15th while he was delivering newspapers near Romare Bearden Park in uptown. His body was found in a crosswalk leading to the park.
The Observer says Scott delivered papers for almost 50 years and that he was also a longtime South Carolina State Constable who carried a gun on his hip. Police say Best was wounded in an exchange of gunfire with Scott and then flagged down officers while seeking help for his injuries. No other court dates have been set.