LEGGETT, N.C. -- A missing person report turned into a gruesome discovery in a small Edgecombe County town, but although two men have been arrested tha daunting question still remains: why?

  • Mayor Gary Skelton and his wife Jackie were found murdered in their home in Leggett.
  • Deputies say suspect, Keith Williams, is in custody.
  • Victims died of gunshots.

At a press conference Friday morning, the Edgecombe County Sheriff's office said deputies were called to 7218 NC 33 NW in Tarboro early Friday after a missing person report was filed for Gary and Jackie Skelton.

Upon arrival, deputies found the husband and wife dead inside the home from gunshots.

The cause of death for both of the deceased has been declared homicide.

Keith Earl Williams, 25, of Tarboro has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. 

Later on Friday, detectives also charged Mitchell Brinson, 18, of Tarboro with first-degree murder.

But the reason why the men chose to kill is still yet to be said.  

 

 

 

 

 
 Some are speculating that this was a robbery gone wrong. There is also the potential that the murders were personal, or even random.
 
While there are no answers now, the community hopes there will be in the coming days and weeks.
 The Skeltons' home had been for sale in the past year. Mr. Skelton said previously he and his wife were wanting to move "back home" to Alabama to be near their grandchildren. 

 

 

 
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