MERRY HILL – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has developed a suspect in an apparent homicide.

Sheriff Greg Atkins did not name the suspect, citing that the investigation continues.

He reported his officers were summoned to Black Rock Road on Thursday at approximately 6 p.m. after they were notified a vehicle was located in a wooded area.

When officers arrived, they found the body of 19-year-old Jessica Riddick near a vehicle.

“We are investigating this as a homicide,” Atkins said. “The apparent cause of death is a stab wound.”

The sheriff said the vehicle apparently passed through the mobile home park.

“Based on the (tire) tracks, the vehicle went through the trailer park area at a high rate of speed, passed through a soybean field and then 35 yards into a wooded area,” Atkins said.

Atkins said deputies have not found anyone who saw the vehicle traveling through the trailer park nor anyone who could confirm why Riddick was at that location.

Those with information are asked to call the Bertie Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330 or the SBI at 252-756-4755.