BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
June 20, 2005
On June 19, 2005, at approximately 7:06 PM, a "Shooting" occurred at the Days Inn of Benson, which is located at 202 North Honeycutt Street. Upon the arrival of EMS personnel, and officers of the Benson Police Department, a Black Male was found on the sidewalk at the rear of the motel, with one bullet wound to the chest. Several items of evidence, to include a small caliber shell casing, were found in the immediate area of the victim.
Benson EMS personnel immediately transported him to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn for treatment, but he subsequently succumbed to his injury, and was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as Julius Anthony Lee, 18 years of age, of Benson.
The investigation into this incident, led by Lieutenant/Detective Randy Beasley, progressed quickly, and at approximately 1:30 AM on June 20, 2005, a suspect was taken into custody. This suspect is identified as Christopher Blake Moore of Benson, a 20-year-old White Male. Moore was charged with one count of First Degree Murder, and he is currently in the Johnston County Jail with no bond.
Chief Kenneth Edwards was involved with the investigation, and also met with the victim's family to offer his condolences and support. "Two families were struck by tragedy tonight, and I hope that their friends, family, and this community will encourage and sustain them in their time of need," says Edwards. "The Town of Benson is not known as a violent place, but when violence does occur, it's good to know that the officers of our Police Department are willing and able to go the extra mile to obtain justice for the victim." "I especially would like to recognize the officers who were involved in this incident, and thank them for their dedication and hard work," says Edwards.
Lead Investigator - Lt. Randy Beasley
Assisting Investigator - Lt. Greg Percy
Assisting Investigator - Det. Sarah Harris
Assisting Patrol Officer - Master Sgt. Gary Whitman
Assisting Patrol Officer - Sgt. Brandon Davies
Assisting Patrol Officer - Kevin Ryals
Assisting Patrol Officer - Drew Richards
Assisting Patrol Officer - Danny Lucas
"I also would like to thank Sheriff Steve Bizzell and his Deputies for the invaluable assistance they provided to us. Without their help, a murder suspect might have remained on the loose."
No additional information will be released at this time, due to the on-going investigation, but any questions should be directed to Chief Kenneth Edwards.