FRANKLIN—A Suffolk man accused of murdering Eric “E.T.” Smith, 30, of Franklin — reportedly for revenge after being beat up — was assaulted on Sept. 29 in Southampton County, said Major Gene Drewery with the Sheriff’s Office.

Sol “Dukey” Damacus Burke, 25, at the time refused to cooperate with authorities, Drewery said Wednesday.

“We’ve had a couple complaints with Burke being the victim, but he would not give us information,” Drewery said.

He noted that Smith was not considered a suspect for Burke’s assault at Southampton Meadows Mobile Home Park.

“I have looked at Smith’s name in our system and we have nothing indicating he was involved in any way, shape or fashion,” Drewery said.

Burke was taken Southampton Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for lacerations above and below the eye, but was not hospitalized, Drewery added.

As of Wednesday morning Burke remained on the run for the Nov. 8 murder at the home of the victim’s mother on Pearl Street, said Franklin Police Lt. Tim Whitt.

Burke may be in a 2004 red Dodge Durango with Virginia tags XDL-9247, police said. The vehicle was spotted in the city the night of the murder.

Burke is described as a 6-foot-4, 230-pound black man. He has a tattoo of “Dukey” on his right forearm and bicep.

A warrant for his arrest was issued less than 24 hours after Smith was pronounced dead at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

At 8:30 that evening, Smith — the father of four girls ranging from 1 to 6 years old —was shot after hearing a knock and answering the door. He went to his cousin’s upstairs apartment for help and was taken to Southampton Memorial Hospital.

Anyone with information should call the Franklin Police at 562-8575, Det. Cpl. J. Butts at 562-2849 or Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-562-8599. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.