By Peggy Mackenzie
One of two men involved in a New Year’s Day shootout with police in Lewisburg has agreed to return to North Carolina where he will face multiple charges including two counts of murder, arson, burglary, grand theft of a vehicle, identity theft, and robbery.
According to Greenbrier County Prosecutor Patrick Via, the charges against Edward Campbell, 54, in West Virginia will be dismissed when authorities in North Carolina pick him up. However, the case will essentially remain pending here. Campbell, along with his son Eric Campbell, 21, are charged with the attempted murder of a police officer and malicious assault in West Virginia.
An extradition hearing was held on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 14, in which Greenbrier County Magistrate Charles D. Beard found probable cause to bind the man over to circuit court on four charges connected to the shootout on Interstate 64, just outside Lewisburg city limits. Shortly afterward, Campbell was served a warrant on fugitive from justice charges originating in North Carolina.
Campbell later was taken to the Greenbrier Circuit court, where he agreed not to fight a request by North Carolina authorities for his immediate transfer to their jurisdiction.
Via advised Circuit Judge James J. Rowe that the various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the Lewisburg incident made a “collective decision to not pursue our charges, at least not right now,” clearing the way for Edward Campbell’s extradition to North Carolina. Via stated the decision not to pursue the charges here is “not an indication that our case is weak.” According to Via, North Carolina is expected to send officers to pick up Campbell within the next 10 days.
Via says the case against the son, Eric Campbell, is completely separate from his father’s, and Via is not certain as of now about his extradition. Eric Campbell’s preliminary hearing has been continued at the request of his attorney.