Family of slain Norfolk store clerk seeks justice as plea deal reached

NORFOLK, Va. – A man accused of killing a beloved Norfolk store clerk has reached a plea deal after second-degree murder charges were dropped.

Dennis Hisle was charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 84-year-old James Carter.

It happened on December 20, 2023 outside 826 Lindenwood Avenue.

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Carter owned the Triple C Convenience store, also known as Carter Convenience and Candy, and he was working that evening. His children say he has run the store since they were young.

“My father was a good man,” Georgia Carter said. “He left this positive feeling of ownership, you know, and starting small.”

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His son, James Carter, Jr. noted, “He always cared for others. You could walk around the store and if you were hungry, he would feed you.”

Dennis Hisle was charged with second-degree murder. He entered a plea deal in court on Friday, admitting his guilt to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and to charges of theft of a firearm.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney dropped the murder charge; however, his brother Bruce Hisle will stand trial on March 18, 2025. He is charged with first-degree murder.

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Police said a third person was involved in the shooting. Tamika Credle was later charged with complicity. Authorities believe she was the getaway driver. Her trial is in January.

“We will see the outcome of the trial,” said James Carter Jr., who said he and his family plan to attend future court proceedings.