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“The investigators with the task force have worked countless hours, days and nights in order to bring this case to the point where it is now. We are following up on leads as they develop,” said SBI Special Agent Renee Robinson.
The Rocky Mount Telegram reports, Antwan Pittman, 31-year old of Anderson Street in Rocky Mount is charged in the murder of Taraha Shenice Nicholson, 28, whose body was found March 7. Police believe she was choked to death. Her body was only partially clothed when she was found. She was reported missing three weeks earlier.
There is no word if police can tie Pitman to the other deaths believed to be linked with this case.
The bodies of Ernestine Battle, 50, Jackie Thorpe, 35, Melody Wiggins, 29 and Jarneice Hargrove, 31, were found in the same area, around Seven Bridges Road.
Another woman, who is yet to be identified was found there as well. Police would not give many details in these cases, but did say two of the victims were strangled and one was stabbed and beaten. They said they died in similar manners. Police are still searching for Yolanda “Snap” Lancaster, 37; Joyce Renee Durham, 46; and Christine Boone, 43.
Pittman was arrested Aug. 12 for driving with a revoked license and failure to register as a sex offender, and was in jail in Nash County when they tied him to the Nicholson case. According to reports he was transported to Edgecombe County and will make his first appearance on these charges today.
Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight is leading the task force investigation which includes FBI profilers, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Rocky Mount Police Department.
Knight and Rocky Mount Police Chief John Manley announced the arrest to families and media during the brief press conference but refused to comment when asked about Pittman’s possible involvement in the other murders.
“They said, 'No Comment,’” said Pepita Hargrove, sister of the most recent victim, Jarneice Hargrove. “We’re hoping that no comment turns into a yes. If he’s not the man who killed my sister, then I hope they find him soon.”
The task force brought in profilers to study what they believe is the work of a serial killer. CNN interviewed North Carolina’s former top forensic psychologist Michael Teague, who said he also believes the murders are related “Just the fact that the bodies have been found close together would really argue for a serial killer,” he said. Teague also said the killer may come from the same background as the victims. “Their economic levels, their backgrounds, the same race. I think it’s someone who would fit very easily within the environment.”
Other reports state Pittman lived within three and a half miles of some of the victims, giving him easy access. They are still searching for clues to help them unravel this case. If you have information leading to an arrest call the Rocky Mount Police Department at 252-972-1411.
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