GARYSBURG — Law enforcement officials are investigating the murder of a well-known resident here.

According to Garysburg Police Chief Raymond Vaughan, Thomas Charles Watson, 58, of West Railroad Street died early Sunday at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville.

Hours earlier at approximately 7:34 p.m. on Saturday, Northampton County Emergency Communications received a call about a person lying in the road on Apple Street.

Vaughan said upon the arrival Northampton County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitchell Deloatch to that location, Watson was discovered bleeding from the head.

The victim was rushed to Halifax Regional Medical Center and then transported to Pitt Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed.

Vaughan said he has received the results of a pathology report, but did not want to release the details at this time.

He added that several people have been interviewed and there are some key suspects at this time.

For now, Vaughan, along with his Police Lieutenant Michael Boone, and the Northampton County Sheriff’s Detective Division are seeking information about the murder of Watson, who the police chief described as a “popular” citizen.

“It’s a shock to the entire Garysburg community,” Vaughan said. “Mr. Watson was well respected and well liked; he would have helped anyone he could.”

Vaughan urged those with information to come forward by calling the Garysburg Police Department at (252) 536-2167 or the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (252) 534-2611. Those who wish to give confidential information can call the Northampton County Crime Stoppers’ line at (252) 534-1110.