RALEIGH, N.C. — There was a major development Monday in the Bradley Way murder investigation. District Attorney Tom Locke said he will seek the death penalty in the case.

Under death-penalty statutes, the murder is a heinous and atrocious crime," Locke said. "The fact that the murder occurred in the course of a kidnapping can be aggravating circumstances."

Way is the 11-year-old boy found dead near his home in Lee County earlier this month. The autopsy report offered disturbing details about the murder for which Victor Gamble was charged.

"Detectives believe Way was home alone when Gamble broke in and attacked him. The autopsy report shows Way was beaten about the head, stepped on and kicked. He had skull fractures, bleeding in the brain and drag marks.

"It was a very brutal beating," Locke said.

Many people in Way's neighborhood believe the suspect did not act alone. Locke said the investigation continues and that police have not ruled out making more arrests.