SUNBURY – The Sunbury community on Folly Road were in shock and dismay Thursday morning (Dec. 11) when they learned of the apparent murder of a life-long resident.

Gates County Sheriff’s Office officers were called to the scene of the home of John Frederick &uot;Fred&uot; Parker on Thursday morning and found the body of Parker deceased in his home.

An investigation by Sheriff’s Office officials began immediately and a State Bureau of Investigation Crime Scene Team was called in from Raleigh. The Crime Scene Team reacted immediately to the scene and began their investigation. The Medical Examiner’s office was called in and Parker’s body was then taken to Chapel Hill where an autopsy was performed.

Upon the investigation by Gates County Sheriff Ed Webb and other law enforcement officers, information was secured in which at least three or four suspects were being sought for questioning.

As a result of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office launched a search for a 24-year-old Corapeake man, Jeffery White, as a possible suspect. According to the report, White was sought throughout the day on Thursday and Friday as well.

Sheriff Webb had planned to talk with White on Friday when they received a call to respond to the home of White’s grandfather, located on N.C. 32 in Corapeake, where it appeared White was suffering from a self-inflicted wound to the upper torso.

White was flown by Nightingale Air Ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he is listed in stable, but guarded, condition as of early yesterday (Monday).

Sheriff Webb and other investigators had not talked with White prior to R-C News-Herald press time last night.

Webb is still investigating the murder and, along with SBI officials, was going to interview some other possible suspects on Monday morning.

&uot;This is a case which has changed by the hour,&uot; said Webb. &uot;We are keeping a track on all activities and interviewed suspects at least twice.&uot;

Sheriff Webb, along with SBI officials and deputies, will continue with their investigation. Webb stated he anticipates making an arrest by the end of the week.

At this time, Sheriff Webb stated the murder motive is unknown.

&uot;As far as crime scenes go, this has been one of the most emotional crime scenes I have ever seen,&uot; he stated.

A Crime Scene Technician shared the Sheriff’s sentiment on the scene and the manner of the murder.

Persons who have information on this case are asked to contact the Gates County Sheriff’s Office at 357-0210.