Two people found dead at their home in Edgecomb County, North Carolina, on Thursday night died of an apparent double homicide, according to the Edgecomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Police arrested and charged Keith Earl Williams, 25, of Tarboro with first-degree murder.
“We were able to solve this double homicide in less than eight hours,” Edgecombe County Sheriff Cleveland “Clee” Atkinson Jr. said during a press conference Friday morning.
“Detectives found two deceased persons with gunshot wounds on the property,” he said.
The investigation led the detectives to two suspects: Williams, who is currently being held at Edgecomb County Detention Center, and another person of interest who is in custody on unrelated charges, Atkinson said.
Police did not release the identity of the victims, but public records show that Leggett Mayor Gary Skelton and his wife, Jackie Skelton, lived at the address.
The Edgecomb County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on Friday, citing the ongoing investigation.
Taking part in the investigation are the Tarboro and Rocky Mount Police Departments, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina Highway Patrol and wildlife officials, according to Atkinson.
“This is a very serious investigation,” Atkinson said. “We will release more information as we are able.”
