GATESVILLE – “Somebody knows something, but they’re just not talking right now.”

Those are the words of Gates County Sheriff Randy Hathaway as he and his officers attempt to solve a murder that took place on Jan. 14.

On Friday, Hathaway revealed the name of the murder victim – 30 year-old Julius Lorenzo Fennell, Jr. of Ahoskie. He died of a gunshot wound later on Jan. 14 after being transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Fennell was reportedly taken by private vehicle to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie before being transferred to Greenville.

Hathaway said the shooting, that involved one other victim, took place somewhere around 2 a.m. on Jan. 14 at a party held in his county.

“It happened at a building owned by Nexx 2 Nunn, a local non-profit club located at the intersection of US 13 and Gatlington Road,” Hathaway said. “The club had rented the building to a group for a birthday party.”

Hathaway said the party was apparently going along well prior to a fight occurring inside.

“There were security personnel at the building and they, from what we have been able to determine, broke up the fight by spraying mace,” Hathaway stated. “That caused everyone to rush outside and that’s where the shots rang out.”

Hathaway said neither of the two victims were the targets of the gunman.

“We didn’t learn of a second victim until well after my deputies arrived on the scene,” the Sheriff said, adding that individual was taken as well by private vehicle to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.

Hathaway did not name the other victim, but did say he was from Hertford County.

“That victim was shot in the leg and is now recovering,” Hathaway said.

He added there were approximately 50 people at the party.

“There were only about five there from our county; the majority were from Hertford County, particularly the Murfreesboro area, and the Franklin, VA area,” Hathaway noted.

The Sheriff said his investigators are actively working the case.

“We’ve had a few leads, but they led us nowhere,” he stressed. “People are saying that we need to make an arrest, but we need information first, we need evidence before we can do that. We’re trying our best to solve this, but we need those who know something to talk to us.”

Those with information can contact the Gates County Sheriff’s Office at 252-357-0210. Captain Glynda Parker and Deputy Lavar Newsome are handling the investigation.