HENDERSON, N.C. — Police in Henderson have charged a man in the stabbing death of a man who died outside of the Vance County magistrate's office early Tuesday morning.

At about 11 a.m., Jimmy Lee Branch Jr., 29, of Henderson, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Perlie Alston, 46, of Henderson.

Investigators believe Branch assaulted Alston as they were in Alston's car in the area of N.C. Highway 39 North.

Investigators said Alston apparently drove himself to the magistrate's office before collapsing in front of the building around 12:30 a.m.

Someone working inside the building saw Alston outside and dialed 911. Alston died as police arrived on the scene.

"When the first officer arrived, he was still on his feet, but then collapsed," said Chief Glen Allen of the Henderson Police Department.

Alston was found with multiple knife wounds and police described the injuries as "extensive."

Branch is being held in the Vance County Jail without bond.

Investigators said the men knew each other, but the motive for the attack is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Vance County Crimestoppers at (252) 492-1925.

Alston served more than 6 years in prison for a 1994 second-degree murder conviction in Mecklenburg County.