Lincoln Heights murder suspect evades capture for four months

Lance Martin, Herald Senior Staff Writer

HALIFAX - For the past four months, Henry Artez Richardson has successfully eluded law enforcement officers who want to arrest him for a May 22 murder in the Lincoln Heights Community.

“I think he's out of the area,” said Lt. Bobby Martin of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

Asked where he thought Richardson might be, Martin said, “All I know is he's got family upstate, in the northern part of the country.”

In order to try to capture Richardson, who has outstanding warrants for killing Charlie Donnell Pierce, Martin said the sheriff's office is coordinating efforts with other law enforcement agencies.

Investigators continue to get tips from Halifax County Crimestoppers. “We get tips on a regular basis, which is a mainstay. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers or contact me at the sheriff's office.”

Martin stays in contact with Pierce's family. “I have spoken with the family and they are concerned. It is frustrating sometimes. The way I look at it, I don't let it deter me because we're trying to help the family or ease their grief.”

The facts in the case haven't changed much since the murder occurred around 4 p.m., May 22. Richardson allegedly fired several shots at Pierce with a small-caliber handgun, one shot hitting him in the upper part of his body.

“Basically, there was an altercation between Mr. Richardson and Mr. Pierce. Evidently, it infuriated Mr. Richardson enough to get a weapon and shoot Mr. Pierce.”

Family members said in June Pierce had nothing to do with the altercation, that it was between other members of his family.

“There was also some mention of DSS (the Department of Social Services) being called on Mr. Richardson's girlfriend. That went back and forth and he (Richardson) may have approached Mr. Pierce, which he didn't have anything to do with it,” Martin said. “As family members have said, he was pretty much shot and killed over nothing.”

Martin said it appears Richardson first started lying low in local areas. “We had some information on possible sightings.”

Following the murder, which occurred at the intersection of Branch Avenue and Hudson Street, a fire destroyed a house on Godley Street, which is several blocks away.

It is believed the house was intentionally set on fire, but so far there is no evidence to pin an arson rap on Richardson.

“I can speculate all day,” Martin said. “I guess it's just coincidence to have a shooting and have a house catch on fire and all that excess traffic, which to me is a good distraction.”

Richardson, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, is described as a black male standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. He has black hair in short dreadlocks and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 583-8051 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 583-4444.