Murder probe underway

By Calvin Bryant (Contact) | Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

Published Saturday, November 28, 2009

MURFREESBORO – A team of investigators are probing a deadly shooting that occurred here Tuesday.

In the meantime, the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office is waiting for the results of an autopsy performed Wednesday on the victim, 27-year-old Johnny Parker Jr. of Murfreesboro.

“We have conducted several interviews since the shooting, but as of right now we have no concrete evidence on who pulled the trigger,” Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan said on Friday.

“I sympathize with Mr. Parker’s family in this tragic turn of events,” the Sheriff continued. “It’s tough losing a family member or close friend under normal circumstances. It’s even tougher when that person’s life is taken by another in a senseless act of violence. And then you compound all of that with the fact that it’s the holidays…a time when families come together to celebrate and count their many blessings. It’s sad…so sad to lose a family member like this at this special time of the year.”

Thus far the investigation revealed that Parker was murdered while standing outside his residence, located on Pinetops Circle in Woodridge Mobile Home Park.

Law enforcement officials were not notified of the shooting until Parker turned-up at the Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Emergency Room.

“We received a call from the hospital at 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday concerning a gunshot victim that was brought to R-CH by private vehicle,” Sheriff Vaughan said. “Once that call was made, our investigators immediately went to work on the case.”

Parker succumbed to his gunshot wounds at R-CH. From there, Sheriff Vaughan said the body was taken to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office in Greenville where an autopsy was performed.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Vaughan is asking the public for assistance in helping to solve this case.

“If anybody saw anything, please give us a call,” he asked. “We will appreciate any information that is shared. And please remember that the identity of the caller is kept confidential.”

Those wishing to share information on the case can call 252-358-7841.

Funeral arrangements for Parker, the father of a daughter and three sons, are set for 2 p.m. on Sunday at Nebo Baptist Church near Murfreesboro. Burial will be in Carver Park Cemetery, Murfreesboro.

Parker’s complete obituary can be found on page 7A in today’s edition.

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