HIGH POINT, N.C. — Loved ones are grieving the loss of Kristian Tillman-Little. A small candle memorial is outside the High Point house where Tillman-Little was allegedly shot and killed last Thursday. Police said Zyeicoren Little is responsible.
Officers said Little bonded out of jail less than two months ago on a separate murder charge from 2022.
Why did he make a bond?
The first homicide investigation was revisited to understand why Little was out on bond.
High Point police charged Little with first-degree murder after a shooting outside a Walmart in May of 2022. Investigators said that's when he shot and killed DeMaurice Turner.
Little's Attorney, Scott Coalter, said he stands by his decision to file a motion for bond reduction. Attorney Coalter shared pictures from the bond motion he filed.
In a photo from Attorney Coalter, Little is seen wearing all black and heading out of the store with two men. Attorney Coalter said Turner was seen wearing a dark jacket and light jeans.
Then according to the motion, Turner stops in front of Little and starts to talk to him.
Attorney Coalter said at some point, Turner unzipped his jacket, pulled out a gun, and threatened Little, who also pulled out a gun.
Attorney Coalter said they both extended their guns at arms-length, pointing them at each other.
According to Attorney Coalter's motion, Little then shot Turner three times.
Attorney Coalter claims Turner tried to shoot back, but apparently, Turner's gun was not ready to fire.
Nearing the end of the motion, Attorney Coalter said his bond motion is "based on the defendant's history and characteristics, his lack of criminal record, and the nature of the evidence in this case, a bond for $100,000.00 is sufficient."
According to High Point police, Little is caught on camera that day when he "gunned down and murdered DeMaurice Turner."
Assistant District Attorney Cyrus Brown said Little's bond motion was heard by a superior court by Judge Craig Croom.
Brown said Judge Croom changed Little's bond to $250,000 despite the state's objection.
Police said Little was out of jail for less than 60 days when the deadly shooting in High Point happened.
Police said Little is in jail without bond, accused of murder and kidnapping linked to a deadly High Point shooting from last week.
Attorney Coalter says he was recently assigned to Little's most recent murder charge and hasn't spoken to him yet.