by eason franklin

the selma times-journal

HAYNEVILLE — A Lowndes County man was shot to death Thursday in the parking lot of the BP gas station at the intersection of U.S. 80 and Ala. 21.

Authorities said Noman Murphy, 29, of Mosses died of a gunshot wound to the chest after a firearm discharged during a struggle over the weapon.

Lowndes County Chief Deputy Lenny Lee said Murphy had pulled into the BP lot to get fuel when he saw a woman and Ezekial Washington, 20, of Montgomery.

Lee declined to identify the woman by name, but said Murphy and she had a prior relationship and a child.

Authorities said the female recently sought and received a restraining order against Murphy. The order was issued out of Montgomery.

“The victim noticed a firearm on the passenger side arm rest when he approached the car, and it is believed that Murphy was attempting to assault the female,” Lee said.

The chief deputy said Murphy reached for the weapon. Washington and Murphy struggled for control of the weapon, and during the altercation the weapon fired, fatally wounding Murphy. The victim’s child was in the car during the struggle.