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Norfolk 'Fuzzy' Best Convicted Again in 1991 Whiteville Double Murder

A jury has again found Norfolk 'Fuzzy' Best guilty in the 1991 killings of a Whiteville couple, with sentencing reported as three consecutive life terms plus 12 years.

2 reports on this incident · first at Sep 1, 2026, 1:56 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterFirst reported Sep 1, 2026, 1:33 p.m. ETUpdated Sep 6, 2026, 10:46 a.m. ET
Norfolk “Fuzzy” Best has been again in the 1991 murders of a Whiteville couple, according to conflicting reports from WWAY TV3 and Fox Wilmington. WWAY TV3 reports the conviction came from the , while Fox Wilmington reports the sentencing came from the . The reports differ on whether the proceeding was a conviction or a sentencing; both agree the sentence is . Best was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, and robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to both outlets. The government claimed Best was hired to do yard work at the Baldwins' home on Nov. 30, 1991, the day authorities say the killings occurred, and that his fingerprint was found on a weapon near Leslie Baldwin's body and DNA evidence matched his profile, as reported by WWAY TV3. Fox Wilmington similarly reported The conviction follows a retrial; Best had been previously in the case.

Earlier reports

  1. Sep 1, 2026, 1:56 p.m. ETFirst report

    Fuzzy Best Convicted Again in 1991 Murders of Whiteville Couple

    Fuzzy Best has been convicted on two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the Nov. 30, 1991, deaths of the Baldwins, according to WWAY TV3.

    The government alleged that Best was hired to do yard work at the Baldwins' home on the day of the killings, and that his fingerprint was found on a weapon near Leslie Baldwin's body and DNA evidence matched his profile. The Office of the Fifteenth Prosecutorial District handled the case.

    Best faces a potential sentence of three consecutive life sentences plus 12 years, the statutory maximum. The case remains open as it develops.

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Revision history

  1. Version 26 Sept 2026, 14:46current

    Updated to reflect conflicting reports on proceeding stage and district; clarified attribution.

  2. Version 11 Sept 2026, 17:56current

    First published.

  3. Version 11 Sept 2026, 18:00

    First published.

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