Amanuel Harrison, 46, reportedly moved the still unidentified woman's body from one location to the location where she was found in the area of Simmons and Craig streets Wednesday morning.
The cause of death of the woman is still pending a toxicology report. The identification of the woman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Tripp said sheriff's office investigators and Roanoke Rapids police detectives both worked the case, interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants for a vehicle and residence.
