Officers are continuing their search today for a 45-year-old Duplin County man wanted in connection with the shooting death of another Saturday afternoon.

Although Sampson sheriff’s officers initially reported that the suspect’s name was Noel Gonzalez, additional investigation now shows that the person being sought is actually Noe Garcia Luna of Mertina Road in Magnolia.

A warrant has been issued for Luna’s arrest in the murder of Margarito Perez-Lopez, 33, of Garcia Family Lane in Sampson County.

A statement released by sheriff’s Capt. Eric Pope Sunday noted that Luna was last seen operating a tan/beige sport utility vehicle, possibly a Jeep Cherokee.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.

The investigation began shortly after 4:30 p.m. Saturday when deputies and EMS personnel were called to Garcia Family Lane in reference to a shooting.

A preliminary probe by sheriff’s officers showed that Perez-Lopez and another male got into a verbal argument that ended with gunfire erupting just before 4:30 p.m. Perez-Lopez, 33, was fatally injured.

When deputies and paramedics arrived on scene, they discovered the body of Perez-Lopez. CPR was being performed by bystanders prior to their arrival, however the victim died on the scene.

Garcia Luna, sheriff’s officials said, is a white male of Hispanic descent, approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighing between 190-200 pounds.