Most of the Halifax County community is still shaken after four elderly people were shot whilst enjoying a weekly card game at the kitchen table during a house robbery end of August.
The victims were 72 year old Janice Harris, 88 year old James Harris, 76 year old James Whitely and 67 year old Peggy Whitely.
Police officials investigating the case have now updated their suspicions and say it is probably gang related.
The sheriff’s office increased the reward for tipsters leading to the arrest of any individuals responsible for this horrific crime.
Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp: "It's very much upsetting. I knew two of these people personally. I will not tip my hand to these cowards. So we're keeping everything close at hand, and once we make an arrest in this case, we'll be more forthcoming with our information."
Robbery appeared to have been the motive for the brutal acts. Items were missing from the house but the police department did not release any further details.
The bodies of the four seniors were discovered when a family member went to check on the residents of the home at 980 Fishing Creek Road in the Glenview community west of Enfield.
“When the phone rang, it was quite a shock. I had to sit there on the car a moment and grasp what had happened. They were just good people and they didn’t deserve to die this way," Sheriff Tripp said.
Dozens of neighbors helped in several searches in Halifax County. More than 40 people checked the woods, ditch banks, wood lines and nearby Fishing Creek. Crews were searching for anything connected with the murder of four people.
The sheriff's offices of Edgecombe, Northampton and Warren counties are all assisting with the investigation.
A total reward of $51,000 is currently being offered in the case.
Source:
http://www.wral.com/reward-offered-in-halifax-county-quadruple-homicide/17004236/
