NORFOLK, Va. — A man accused of killing a beloved Norfolk convenience store clerk has taken a plea deal as the second-degree murder charge was dropped.

Dennis Hisle faced second-degree murder charges in the fatal shooting of 84-year-old James Carter.

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

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

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

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His son James Carter, Jr. commented, “He always looked out for others. You could go to the store and if you were hungry, they would feed you.”

Dennis Hisle was charged with second degree murder. In court Friday, he entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and theft of a firearm charges.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney dropped the murder charge; however, his brother Bruce Hisle will go on trial on March 18, 2025. He faces charges of first degree murder.

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Police say a third person was connected to the shooting. Tamika Credle was charged with accessory after the fact. Authorities believe she was the getaway driver. Her trial is in January.

“We’ll see the outcome of the lawsuit,” said James Carter, Jr., who said he and his family plan to attend future legal proceedings.