Police send window to lab for testing in the Jasmine Thar case | Crime

CHADBOURN, NC (WECT) – The family of a teen from Charlotte who was killed in Columbus County was in Chadbourn Thursday to continue their push for justice.

Jasmine Thar, 16, died from a bullet wound after being shot in a family member's yard in December 2011. She was getting ready for a shopping trip to Myrtle Beach. Two others were injured by the same bullet. James Blackwell said he accidentally fired a shot while cleaning his gun. He was never arrested for the shooting.

According to the family's spokesperson, John Barnett, the family questions District Attorney Jon David's professionalism and the way he is handling the case. They want Blackwell temporarily arrested until the investigation is complete.

Some of Thar's family members drove from Charlotte to Chadbourn Thursday to hold a press conference.

At the event, they announced that they will be holding a rally for justice in Chadbourn on May 19. The rally will be held at a church.

The family also noted that it was a lengthy conversation with the town's police chief that ended up answering some of their questions.

According to Police Chief Steven Shaw, investigators collected new evidence in the case about a month ago. After speaking with the SBI, officers seized the window the bullet went through. They sent the window, along with the blinds and screen, to a lab in Virginia.

Chadbourn Police were the first ones on the case, and for the first time since the day her loved one was killed, Thar's mother got to talk face-to-face with Police Chief Steven Shaw and voice her concerns.

"He was very sincere. I'm going to keep some of the things we discussed private. But he told us, his outlook on the case in February has changed now in May. That's good, because we feel the same way. That's why we'll be back here next week rallying." Said Barnett.

The family added that they will request another meeting with David next week, and that they also plan to rally in Brunswick County, where David's office is located.

Barnett says, from now on when they meet with David, they plan to request that Shaw is also present.

"He can give us his perspective on things and his point of view. We're always open to different ideas." Said Barnett.

Currently, agents with the SBI and FBI are investigating the case.

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