ELLERBE — Investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in solving a recent homicide.
According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy patrolling Ellerbe was flagged down around 12:25 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and told by two people that they had seen a man lying on the ground on High Street.
The deputy reportedly went to the area where he found 59-year-old James Edward Pankey, of Ellerbe, on a dirt path between High and Railroad streets. The victim reportedly appeared to have a gunshot wound.
EMS responded but reportedly pronounced Pankey dead at the scene, leading to an investigation.
Anyone with information or may have been in the area that night is encouraged to call 911, Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454 or use the P3 Tips app.
