A man turned himself in today after being named as a suspect in the weekend murder of a U.S. Marine.
Timothy Loper, Jr., was shot to death trying to break up a bar fight in Camden early Sunday morning.
"That's Tim," said his wife, Beverly Loper. He's like a peacemaker. He's everybody's therapist in the family."
Loper, 27, had been celebrating a friend's birthday at the 20 Horse Tavern restaurant and bar. He was trying to break up the fight in the parking lot around 2:45 in the morning. Police say Darrell Crone pulled out a gun during the fight and started shooting. Loper was hit several times and died.
The victim's father called Crone a coward on Tuesday and challenged him to do the right thing and turn himself in.
Crone, 31, did surrender to Camden police this morning.
Loper, who served in Afghanistan, was beloved by family and friends.
"Tim had the biggest heart in the world. He would do anything for anybody," said his cousin, Ciara Blue.
Another relative, Faith Murray, was also at the party that night. She said she never thought it would be the last time she'd see Loper.
"I wish I'd taken him [home] with me. It's senseless," Murray said.
Photo Credit: Family Photo