Horton

Jimell Contrell Horton, a 28-year-old Enfield resident with a criminal history of armed robbery, is wanted for murder, first-degree burglary, attempted armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, Sheriff Wes Tripp said.

“We believe he is the one who killed Chris Harrison,” the sheriff said this afternoon.

Asked how investigators linked Horton and Tierra Burnell to the murder, Tripp said, “The best way I can explain that is our investigators have not stopped working since 11:30 Sunday night. They've interviewed and put the pieces together. Based on that we were able to build probable cause against Burnell and Horton. More arrests are forthcoming.”

Tripp declined to discuss the relationship between Horton and Burnell, who faces charges of accessory before the fact of armed robbery and murder as well as a count of murder. He also declined to discuss their relationship with Monte Hines, who was found dead between Harrison's house and an abandoned house on Zoo Road South and is believed to be one of the assailants in the home invasion.

The sheriff's office continues to investigate Hines's murder. “We're still investigating several leads,” Tripp said. “We know he was definitely involved.”

Burnell is believed to still be in the Garner area. Horton typically frequents the Enfield area and is believed to be armed and dangerous. The sheriff's office advises using caution before approaching him and to call law enforcement if he is seen.

Tripp said at this point there has been no information reported to the sheriff's office about beef building between Harrison and those allegedly involved in the murder. The sheriff's office continues to investigate what, if anything, was taken from Harrison's home.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Horton or Burnell, or anyone who has information on the murder of Hines is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.