ABERDEEN, N.C. -- The Moore County sheriff says four deputies placed on desk work after a fatal shooting will be returning to active duty.

Moore County Sheriff Neil Godfrey told a news conference Tuesday that the decision follows an internal review which concluded the deputies did nothing wrong in the shooting death of 33-year-old Arthur Garner.

Godfrey said his deputies were called to a home near Aberdeen around 3 a.m. July 28 in response to a domestic fight.

The sheriff said his deputies shot and killed Garner after he fired on them, but he later said Garner didn't fire his weapon and apologized if that statement upset Garner's family.  

Godfrey said his office believes those deputies and officers involved performed in compliance with federal and state laws and in compliance with department polices.

Arthur Garner
Arthur Garner

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