Archived News

Haywood man fatally shot trying to rob marijuana growers

A man attempting to rob alleged pot growers and dealers in the Bethel community of Haywood County was shot and killed Friday night.

At least that’s the story the alleged pot dealers have given cops to explain why a man was shot and killed in their trailer. So far, no one has been charged in the fatal shooting, but detectives with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office continue to work through the investigation, most likely trying to sort out who fired the fatal shot and whether claims of self-defense are legitimate or if charges are warranted.

Meanwhile, a bevvy of drug and burglary charges have been made in connection to the events.

The alleged husband-and-wife pot dealers — Michael Hurst, 58, and Lorie Hurst — claim two men broke into their house while they were home Friday night and tried to rob them. 

Lori managed to call 911 in the midst of the robbery. Deputies raced to the home, only to find one of the alleged robbers, Bill Worley, 49, of Canton, had been shot. Worley was still alive when cops got there but died from the gunshot within minutes, despite emergency medical personnel rushing in and trying to save him.

The other alleged robber, Charles Henson, 47, of Canton, had fled the house, but cops searched about and found him, and arrested him for felony burglary.

Meanwhile, detectives also discovered the marijuana plants growing on the Hurst’s property, along with evidence of drug sales being conducted. The Hursts have been charged with felony marijuana growing and misdemeanor possession.

— By Staff Writer Becky Johnson, based on Haywood County Sherriff’s Office reports

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.