Man Fatally Shot Daughter After Mistaking Her For Intruder

A man from Greenville County, North Carolina, was charged with murder Thursday after he accidentally shot and killed his daughter.

According to Greenville County Sheriff's Office, 43-year-old Jermaine Tramone Pressley shot his daughter, 23-year-old Nadeja Jermainequa Pressley, around 1.15 a.m. EDT Sunday after mistaking her for an intruder. Investigation revealed that Nadeja had a key to the home and that she was shot while she was bringing her father food.

“During some point and time during the afternoon the victim and her dad had a conversation about her bringing him some food,” Lt. Ryan Flood with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said.

While searching the home as part of the death investigation, officers found drugs at the residence. Jermaine was taken into custody Monday and charged with “possession with intent to distribute” heroin and cocaine. Jermaine was convicted for trafficking heroin in 2004.

"The amount that was found was the amount that was necessary meaning over one gram of heroin also over one gram of cocaine to charge with the intent to distribute,” Lt. Flood said.

Speaking to NBC-affiliated television station WYFF, neighbor Regina Harvey said, "I just heard two gunshots and went out on the porch and I saw police everywhere, everywhere. That's just a sad feeling."

Linda Seaborn, who also lives in the neighborhood, said, “He probably was just fearful, that someone was breaking in... because not one time, but several times in the neighborhood we’ve heard that he had some breaking and entering.”

Melvin Grover, one of the parishioners of the nearby church, said, "It's a sad day today, and it's a tragic moment that happened in the neighborhood, and we are so heartbroken about it.” Expressing his willingness to help the family, he added, "We'll do whatever we can, so don't hesitate. Let us know because we are more than willing to help."

On Thursday, Pressley was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Jermaine was being held at the Greenville County Detention Center and was awaiting a bond.