HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. -- The Harnett County Sheriff's Office now has a third suspect who they believe is connected to the shooting death of a man in Spring Lake in custody.

  • Desmond Dowdy, 23, was found dead in Spring Lake after a call about a fight.
  • Two suspects are already in custody.
  • A third is being sought, charged with first degree murder. 

32-year-old Toby McDuffie, who faces first degree murder charges, turned himself in Thursday evening. Early Thursday morning, the Harnett County Sheriff's Office released new information stating an arrest warrant was issued for him.

The first two suspects in this case were arrested after an intense standoff with sheriff's deputies on Palomino Lane and Ranger Lane Wednesday night, where officials say 23-year-old Desmond Dowdy was shot and killed.

The emergency call was initially reported as a fight call in the neighborhood, but minutes later an ambulance was requested at the same address.

The two other suspects in this case are in custody, 24-year-old Marque Smith, who has been charged with first degree murder, and 22-year-old Brandy America, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and accessory after the fact. Smith is in jail with no bond, and America is in jail with a $200,000 bond.

The sheriff's office has not released a motive for the crime, but did say Brandy America and the victim were in a relationship.

Deputies also believe there's a fourth suspect involved.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Harnett County sheriff at 919-893-9111.