Accused murderer charged in drug case

Jadekiss Jaheim Watkins and Kaitlin Mitchell
Jadekiss Jaheim Watkins and Kaitlin Mitchell (Bladen Sheriff's Office)

The man charged with a February 2020 murder is back in jail after a drug arrest Saturday.

Jadekiss Jaheim Watkins, 20, was arrested on Elwell Ferry Road in Council after a vehicle stop by members of the Tri-County Community Impact Task Force, according to Mac Warner of the Bladen Sheriff’s Office. Watkins and Kaitlin Mitchell, 19, were carrying what officials described as a “substantial” amount of narcotics, cash and a firearm in the vehicle.

Both were charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Mitchell was also charged with maintaining a vehicle for drug activities. Watkins was held under a $10,000 secured bond, with Mitchell’s bond being set at $15,000.

 Watkins was out on $300,000 secured bond on a charge of murder and other felonies  after a shootout at the Sam’s Pit Stop in Bolton in February 2020.  Initial calls about the gunfight said “multiple” individuals were involved. Customers dove for cover in and behind vehicles as well as inside the store.

Watkins allegedly shot Dwon Demontre Maultsby, 28, of Chadbourn, investigators said. Both men sustained gunshot wounds. Maultsby was pronounced dead on arrival at Columbus Regional. Watkins was treated and released at New Hanover Regional.

Watkins was originally charged with attempted robbery, according to the sheriff’s office. Later he was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

About Jefferson Weaver 1927 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at [email protected].