WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The man convicted of killing a Winston-Salem Police Sergeant in 2007 is released from prison.
Sgt. Howard Plouff was killed on February 23, 2007. Around 2:00 a.m., Sgt. Plouff responded to the Red Rooster Nightclub on Jonestown Road to help to with a large crowd.
Before the arrival of Winston-Salem Police officers, Joseph Hensley, a bouncer at the club, fired a gun in the air. The scene turned hectic, and several shots were fired, one of which struck Sgt. Plouff in the face.
An officer began performing CPR on Sgt. Plouff. He was taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where he died hours later. He fought for his life for 21 hours.
Keith Carter was arrested and charged about two weeks later.
In March 2010, Carter was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 21 years in an NC Prison. Carter was released from prison on Saturday, Feb. 17 after serving 17 years. He is currently on parole. Carter is now 39-years-old.
Sgt. Plouff was a 17-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department. Sergeant Howard Plouff is survived by his wife Joyce and his two daughters, Brandy and Holly.
Back in 2007, Winston-Salem Police Chief at the time, Pat Norris spoke to WFMY before her retirement. She spoke about one of her toughest days as chief, the day Sgt. Plouff died.
"Anytime you lose someone that you've worked so close with that would be the most difficult emotional time to go through," said Norris.
WFMY reached out to Winston-Salem police regarding the release of Carter. They responded with: "Out of respect for the family, we will not be releasing a statement regarding the release of Keith Carter. This is a hard time for them, and we feel it is not appropriate for us to comment."