ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating its second homicide within a week.
Deputies were dispatched to a call of a man being struck by a vehicle at the corner of Mill Road and South Street in East Rockingham around 8:45 p.m. Friday, according to a press release issued late Saturday morning.
The first patrol deputy to arrive on scene reportedly found the man unresponsive. While attempting to administer first aid to the victim, investigators say the deputy found injuries that were inconsistent with being hit by a vehicle. However, no other details were given about his injuries.
FirstHealth EMS later arrived and pronounced the man dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators arrived and, after interviewing witnesses, were able to identify the victim as a 36-year-old Native American from the East Rockingham area, according to the sheriff’s office. His name is currently being held until family can be notified.
Sheriff Mark Gulledge said the case is being investigated as a homicide. He requests that anyone in the area from 8-9 p.m. contact investigators.
“Every little detail matters in a case of this magnitude,” Gulledge said in a statement.
Potential witnesses can call 911 and ask to speak to an investigator or call Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454.
Last Saturday, 18-year-old Julius Tyrone Leak Jr. died after reportedly being shot in a gravel parking lot on Church Street in East Rockingham.
Thomas Owen White, 23, has been charged with murder in that case and three others are facing charges in connection with Leak’s death.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
