Murder victims gathered for friendly game of cards

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp has declined to immediately release the names of the four who were shot and killed as investigation continues. He said one of the married couples were the hosts for the game and the other couple were longtime friends.

At a press briefing held outside the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department substation on Ringwood Road, Tripp said the couples ranged in age from their 50s to 70s.

He said detectives from surrounding agencies are assisting the sheriff’s office.

“The SBI has committed its resources to helping the sheriff’s office,” Agent Walter Brown said after the briefing.

A $6,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

The sheriff’s office received the call around 9:30 this morning the two couples were shot multiple times at a dining table where they had gathered to play cards. There were no signs of a struggle, Tripp said, and items of value were taken from the residence. He declined elaboration.

The crime was discovered after a family member of the host couple went to the residence for a welfare check.

Tripp said he knew all four victims. “They were well known and well thought of.”

In his 33 years in law enforcement the sheriff said this was the first quadruple homicide he has investigated.

He declined to say whether investigators believe the home invasion was a random or planned attack.

In talking with the family members, Tripp said, “They’re in shock. It’s disarming when you lose family members this way. It’s disturbing.”

The sheriff’s office passed out flyers this morning announcing the offer of a reward for information which leads to an arrest in the case.

Tripp has asked for assistance from not only the SBI, but the sheriff’s offices of Edgecombe, Nash, Northampton and Warren and the Enfield Police Department and state Highway Patrol.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201, Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the SBI at 919-779-8188.