A Norfolk jury has rendered a significant verdict, finding 42-year-old Bruce Hisle guilty in the tragic shooting death of James C. Carter, the beloved owner of a local convenience store, a case that has deeply resonated within the community.

After more than two hours of deliberation, the Norfolk Circuit Court jury delivered its decision, convicting Hisle of second-degree murder, felony murder, malicious wounding, and two firearms charges, though opting not to impose the more severe first-degree murder conviction.

The fatal incident unfolded on December 20, 2023, outside the Triple C Convenience store on Lindenwood Avenue, where a heated argument escalated into gunfire. James C. Carter, affectionately known as “Pops” to his loyal customer base, tragically lost his life when he intervened, stepping out to request the disputing parties move away from his establishment.

The 84-year-old proprietor was pronounced dead at the scene, a devastating loss for a community that cherished him. Another individual involved in the argument also sustained injuries but fortunately survived the altercation that claimed Mr. Carter’s life.

Key testimony during the trial involved Tamika Credle, the mother of Hisle’s children, who was present with Bruce Hisle and his brother, Dennis Hisle, on the night of the shooting. Credle later faced her own legal repercussions, being found guilty as an accessory after the fact and sentenced to six months in jail for her involvement.

Further evidence presented included video footage depicting Detective John Murphy providing Credle with a phone, during which she made a crucial call to her daughter. In that conversation, Credle explicitly stated that her “(expletive) father” had shot and killed “Mr. Carter,” implicating Bruce Hisle and acknowledging her accessory status.

The conviction brings a measure of closure to the community, though the sentencing phase for Bruce Hisle is still pending, with a court date scheduled for November 21. This tragic event underscores the fragility of peace within communities and the profound impact of senseless violence.

The case of the Norfolk convenience store shooting serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small business owners and the potential dangers lurking even in familiar neighborhood spaces. The pursuit of justice in this criminal justice matter has been closely watched, reflecting the public’s desire for accountability in such heinous acts.

The jury’s decision, particularly the distinction between first and second-degree murder, highlights the complexities inherent in proving intent in such cases, yet it definitively holds Bruce Hisle accountable for his actions leading to James C. Carter’s untimely demise.