COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – The death of a man who was shot and killed by deputies in Columbus County in May 2024 has been classified as a homicide, according to an autopsy report.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office report on Henry Zartman from South Carolina showed he had 44 external gunshot wounds, 27 entrance wounds, and 14 exit wounds. It was also found that Zartman’s blood tested positive for prescription drugs gabapentin, tramadol, and trazodone, which were deemed to be in “typical therapeutic ranges.”
The autopsy concluded Zartman’s cause of death had been multiple gunshot wounds.
“The manner of death is classified as homicide,” the autopsy report stated.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shots-fired call at about 10:30 p.m. on May 15, 2024, along N.C. 905 on Seven Creeks Highway in Nakina.
In the released 911 recordings, a caller is heard saying that Zartman was an old boyfriend and that he threatened to go to her house and shoot himself. Dispatch was also told that it looked like Zartman wanted the deputies to shoot him.
The preliminary investigation report details that when the deputies arrived, Zartman attempted to run away. The deputies tried to stop him by deploying “electronic device prongs…which landed on him, with no reaction.”
The report states Zartman went on to draw a handgun, “which in turn, law enforcement engaged with guns.”
The report detailed that several handgun casings were found in the front yard of the residence where deputies responded.
In June 2024, the five deputies involved in the shooting returned to duty from administrative leave.
The preliminary report states that Zartman’s family and ex-girlfriend told investigators Zartman had ”several episodes of extreme behavior with tendencies to be obsessive over another person.”
It was also noted in the preliminary report that “neither party is familiar with any chronic medical conditions; [Zartman], according to family and ex-girlfriend, has no illicit drug usage or prior suicidal ideation or attempts.”
The NC State Bureau of Investigation, which took over the case, has since referred it to the District Attorney for review.
The Columbus County District Attorney’s Office says the case is still under review.
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