© 2024 Public Radio East
Public Radio For Eastern North Carolina 89.3 WTEB New Bern 88.5 WZNB New Bern 91.5 WBJD Atlantic Beach 90.3 WKNS Kinston 88.5 WHYC Swan Quarter 89.9 W210CF Greenville
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Shooter who paralyzed deputy sentenced to 10 year on federal charges, state case to move forward

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published May 9, 2024 at 6:18 AM EDT
Robert Westrup, 43, plead guilty in November to a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting that left Craven County Sheriff’s Deputy Zachary Bellingham paralyzed from the waist down.
Craven County Sheriff's Office
Robert Westrup, 43, plead guilty in November to a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting that left Craven County Sheriff’s Deputy Zachary Bellingham paralyzed from the waist down.

The Craven County man who pled guilty last year to shooting a deputy, leaving him paralyzed, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said Robert Westrup, 43, plead guilty in November to a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting that left Craven County Sheriff’s Deputy Zachary Bellingham paralyzed from the waist down.

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said that while nothing can undo the harm caused by Westrup, the prison sentence serves as notice that crimes against law enforcement will not go unpunished.

Hughes said they are working with the Craven County District Attorney’s Office to move forward with the prosecution of state charges.

Westrup is charged in Craven County with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston