Roanoke Rapids police make arrest in 2006 homicide

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — Roanoke Rapids police made an arrest Tuesday in the slaying of businessman Shelby Salmon.

Officers arrested Gene Arnold Hawkins Jr., 26, but said the investigation into Salmon’s death would continue. Hawkins was being held without bond at the Halifax County Jail.

Salmon’s wife found him dead at his office, at 1135 Roanoke Ave., in February 2006. Police said at the time that he had been shot in the head.

"The victim was ... robbed, forced to lie on the ground and was shot to death, and it's just cruel and heinous," said then-Chief of Police Greg Lawson. He said the suspect or suspects stole cash from the office, Salmon's wallet and a handgun.