A dispute over a card game appears to be the motive in a May 21 murder on Cottonwood Road, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said early investigation shows.

Hardy

While the sheriff declined comment on details of that dispute, he said the man charged Friday in the murder of Alvin Pierce Jr., faces additional charges and another man, Artemus Troy Hardy Jr., 20, of Roanoke Rapids, was also charged with murder in the case.

Tripp, without elaboration, said Hardy was allegedly an active participant in Pierce's murder and was jailed today without the opportunity for bond. He awaits a Wednesday first appearance.

Meanwhile, Tripp said the man charged Friday, Quantonio Rogers, 17, faces new charges of possession of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.

The weapon of mass destruction charge, according to the sheriff, indicates a sawed-off shotgun, which was recovered in a creek off Hinson Street Friday, was the weapon reportedly used in the murder.

Rogers was given a $40,000 bond for the new charges and awaits a Wednesday court date.

Pierce was found dead after deputies responded to what was initially a car wreck call on Cottonwood Road near the old airport shortly before 10 p.m.