A man charged over the weekend with second-degree murder in connection with the alleged shooting of a neighbor made a first appearance this morning in General Sessions Court.

Richard Alan Murray, 54, of 132 Holiday Lane, was charged with the offense after the shooting of 51-year-old Danny Lee Lamons, who also lives on Holiday Lane, off Lovers Lane.

The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. Friday, Sheriff Steve Burns said.

Lamons was shot by Murray with a 9 mm handgun, "causing his death," according to a report filed by sheriff's Detective Sgt. Daniel Ricker.

Lamons was taken to a hospital, but died of his injuries.

Bond for Murray was set at $250,000.

Judge Kenneth Bailey Jr. set a return court date of Jan. 16 for a preliminary hearing.

Bailey asked Murray if he understood the second-degree murder charge. "No," he answered.

The judge responded that Murray is being charged under a section of the law that states he "knowingly" killed another.

Murray, who said he is disabled, will be represented by a public defender.

Grief-stricken members of Lamons' family were at the arraignment. They said they didn't know any details about the crime, but plan to follow the case closely.

"I just want some justice," said Lisa Shelton, Lamons' sister.

Assistant District Attorney General Ritchie Collins, who was in court this morning, said he wasn't aware of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Police blocked off the 70 Overpass at U.S. 11E on Friday night after the shooting, and a helicopter with a searchlight was in the air.

Murray was taken into custody a short time after the shooting.

Staff writer O.J. Early contributed to this report.