Captain Andy Jackson said Lorenzo Tann Jr. was found shot beside a house at 119 Madison Street from a gunshot wound to the head shortly before 8 p.m.
Jackson declined comment on what type of gun was used and declined comment on how many shots were fired.
Thus far there are no descriptions of suspects and the police department is encouraging anyone with information to call Detective Jeff Baggett at 252-326-3941, Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Halifax Central at 252-583-1991.
At the scene a silver Toyota Corolla was to be impounded. Jackson said police are still investigating the car's role in the murder.
The 119 Madison Street address was the home of Wade Anthony Gray who was taken into federal custody last week after he violated terms of his probation when he mistakenly shot himself in June after he claimed he heard fireworks and became jumpy. Jackson declined comment, saying Tann was between two houses when he was shot and Gray is in federal custody.
Captain James Avens of the Weldon Police Department was called to help Roanoke Rapids police positively identify Tann. Avens said the police department had no active investigation on him, however.
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