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12:20 a.m. • 2-11-12

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Murder suspect said he was shocked by victim's death


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James Strazisar
James Strazisar

Wake County investigators arrested three men Tuesday – one who talked to WRAL News on Monday – in the shooting death of a man whose body was found in Knightdale.

A passer-by found the body of James Raymond Strazisar, 49, of 124 Pleasant Valley Circle, on the side of Massey Farm Road near the Country Hearth Inn in Knightdale Sunday night, authorities said.

Jason Randall Sledge, 31, of 3305 Leonard Road in Knightdale, and Charles Cameron Wheless, 51, of 920 Massey Farm Road in Knightdale, are charged with murder.

Charles Wheless and Sledge appeared in Wake County District Court Tuesday afternoon, where a judge ordered them to remain in jail without bond.

Melissa Warren Sledge, of 3305 Leonard Road in Knightdale, is charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder. Her bond was set at $250,000.

A third man, Gregory Collins Wheless, 54, of 129 Pleasant Valley Circle in Knightdale, is charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder. His bond was set at $200,000.

In an interview Monday with WRAL News, Charles Wheless said he was shocked to hear of his longtime friend's death. He said he and Strazisar were fishing buddies and co-workers, and that Strazisar had no enemies, he said.

"He was a good guy," he said. "Like I said (his shooting death) was just off the wall."

Charles Wheless also said that he thought Strazisar might have been on his way to or from a convenience store when he was killed.

"We don't know what happened," Charles Wheless said Monday. "It's just totally – it's too close to home for something like this to happen."

Sheriff Donnie Harrison said Tuesday that while the arrest remains under investigation, it appears the shooting was the result of an argument and that more arrests are possible.

RELATED TOPICS: Knightdale, Wake County

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Mr. Strazisar had NO criminal record in NC or any other state. If you make allegations about someone please back it up with proof. Otherwise, it is best not to say anything at all. The 3gilrsmomma allegations are based on ignorance and intolerance.

jus because someone has a "rap" sheet doesnt mean they have been to prison most of their lives or that they are a bad person. it jus means they made bad choices.

3girlsmomma- im glad u clarified for "know it all ",that melissa and jason were husband and wife and NOT cousins.

everyone acts like he is already found guilty. but none of yall really knows what led up to the whole thing. but none of that matters here. what matters is families have been destroyed. husbands, fathers cousins, sons, brothers, have all been lost. kids have lost parents. everybody makes mistakes and wrong choices so if any of you think ur perfect then maybe u should try to walk on water. you cant do it cuz ur not perfect and ur name is NOT Jesus!

OK - for all the "know-it-all's" out here - - Melissa and Jason are not COUSINS (souschef) - They are husband and wife!! Jason's WIFE hid the gun because that was her first instinct - I would do the same if it were my husband in this situation - if you would not, I hope you are not married!!! Melissa my have made a poor choice in a husband - but SHE IS NOT SLEAZY! She is a wonderful wife and mother to her 3 kids. And to add to your comment about James Raymond Strazisar-THAT IS THE NORTH CAROLINA OFFENDER SEARCH IDIOT - THAT DOES NOT MEAN HE IS CONT A CONVICT SOMEWHERE ELSE!

souschef4u, obviously you are a family member or friend of Jamie's. I'm sorry for you loss. I knew Jamie but did not know him all that well.

And to show how sleazy the Sledge family really is ...Melissa Sledge who lives at 3305 Leonard Road is under arrest too. An arrest warrant accuses Melissa Sledge of helping Jason Sledge hide weapons at the home. Her bail is set at $250,000. According to news reports Melissa and Jason relationship was unclear-they were cousins! Maybe sexylicious should get her facts clear before she disparages other people. Or maybe sexylicious is cut of the same cloth as her cousins.

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