David Earl Wilkins will spend 35 to 43 years in prison for the 2022 murder of a Tar Heel area man.
District Attorney Jon David said Wilkins pled guilty Monday in Bladen County Superior Court.
Wilkins shot and killed Donald Jackson, then stuffed his body in a gun cabinet before stealing the victim’s vehicle.
Deputies who were performing a wellness check on Jackson found his body in the unlocked gun cabinet in a backyard shed. The victim was shot multiple times.
Multiple agencies searched for Wilkins across three counties, David said. He was captured 24 hours later by Robeson County deputies.
Jackson was a longtime employee of DuPont, and was known for helping others in his neighborhood. Witnesses detailed his efforts to help others during hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Allan Adams and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Hunt prosecuted.
