Breaking News: Jury Deliberates Fate of Man Accused in Home Depot Worker’s Death

Hillsborough, North Carolina — May 20, 2025 — According to ABC 11, the trial of Terry McMillian Jr., charged with first-degree murder and robbery in the 2022 death of Home Depot employee Gary Rasor, has reached the jury deliberation phase.

Prosecutors say McMillian shoved 82-year-old Rasor while allegedly trying to steal merchandise from the store. The push caused Rasor to fall, and although he initially appeared to recover, his condition worsened, and he died weeks later from complications related to the pelvic injury. He was 83.

During closing arguments, McMillian’s defense team argued Rasor’s death was not murder. They pointed to delays in the investigation and Rasor’s pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension and emphysema. Defense attorney Kailey Morgan told jurors, “It is the video of an assault, but not of a murder,” referring to the surveillance footage.

The prosecution countered that Rasor was active and working before the incident and never regained independence after the fall. Prosecutor Jeff Nieman emphasized that Rasor “never walked again unassisted, never worked again, and never went home.”

The central medical testimony came from Dr. Nabila Haikal, a forensic pathologist, who concluded Rasor died from complications of blunt force trauma, exacerbated by existing conditions. The defense sought to exclude her testimony, arguing it was inconsistent, but the judge denied that motion.

McMillian did not testify, and the defense did not call any witnesses. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The jury now holds the final decision. Bottom of Form

Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.