One of the victims in a shooting on Colonial Drive this morning has died and a charge of murder has been lodged against the man wanted in the case, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
Samuel Milton Massey, 44, of Roanoke Rapids, also faces a charge of attempted murder which reflects another victim who was shot and remains in critical condition.
Chief Deputy Scott Hall identified the deceased victim as Jose Andreas Gaytan, 27, of Texas. Gayton worked in the area and investigators believe he was acquainted with Massey, who is currently on the lam.
Motive is still being investigated in the case, Hall said.
Massey is known to frequent areas of Roanoke Rapids but it is unclear whether he spends time elsewhere.
The name of the second victim is not being released at this time.
The sheriff’s office said earlier deputies responded to the 300 block of Colonial Drive to reports of two people who were shot in the chest.
Deputies arrived on scene and learned that the victims had left the area in a vehicle which was later discovered at Zoo Road and Colonial Drive.
Massey fled the scene driving a gold 2003 Toyota Camry with North Carolina registration JBY-9488.