Shelby man sentenced to life in prison for gunning down woman, toddler

SHELBY, N.C. — A Shelby man who shot and killed a toddler and a young mother will spend the rest of his life in prison.

PAST COVERAGE: 3 arrested in shooting that killed woman, child in Shelby

A jury found Mario Wilson guilty of double murder Thursday.

He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, attempted robbery with a firearm and conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm. Each murder conviction comes with a mandatory life sentence.

Prosecutors said Wilson killed Miranda Woods and 3-year-old Liam Murray during a drug robbery at a home on Whisnant Street in 2016.

Liam and his mother were inside the home, along with Woods, when police said the robbery went bad.

Police said Wilson fired shots while trying to get away.

Jurors deliberated for two days before reaching their decision.

“We are satisfied with the verdict that was reached, but it didn’t bring back our baby to us, and we will never get him back,” Jaycie Wilson, Murray’s aunt, told our partners at the Shelby Star.

During the trial, the courtroom was filled with friends and family of the victims as well as the defendant. In the end, at least four families were devastated by the violence that erupted over a shoebox full of marijuana.

“Nothing in this world will ever make things right. Life in prison or death penalty. Nothing will change what our families continue to live with every day,” Jaycie Wilson said.

Police: 3 arrested in connection to shooting that killed woman, child in Shelby Police: 3 arrested in connection to shooting that killed woman, child in Shelby

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