Man arrested for killing Gaston Co. student denied bond

GASTONIA, NC (WBTV) - A man Gastonia Police say shot a student from Hunter Huss High School over the weekend was denied bond in court Wednesday.

Taikeem Devuntae Littlejohn, 18, of Shelby, was arrested late Tuesday night and charged with first degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to the Gastonia Police Department.

Police say Littlejohn shot 17-year-old Brandon McCall Saturday night as a result of a drug deal going bad on the 1800 block of West Third Avenue.

Investigators say McCall then crashed his Honda Civic in the 1700 block of West Garrison Boulevard and died at the scene.

Investigators would not go into details about the drugs that were allegedly involved in the shooting. However, Gastonia Police Sgt. Jimmy Arndt said that drugs are commonly associated with violent crimes.

"Prescription drugs, marijuana, cocaine, heroin and meth are prevalent drugs," Arndt said. "Parents need to be vigilant about watching their kids. They should know what their kids are up to and know if your kids are going to be associated with that type of activity."

Friends and students at Hunter Huss High School remembered their friend, who they called B-Mac, by decorating his on-campus parking spot, Sunday.

They also painted a rock in front of the school in memory of the slain teen.

Littlejohn appeared in court Wednesday morning, where he was denied bond. He could go before a grand jury next week.

If you have any information in this case you are asked to call Gastonia Police or Crime Stoppers of Gaston County.