Man arrested, facing charges in 2019 shooting death in Orange County
The Orange County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged a man in the 2019 murder of a man who was found dead in his yard.
At the request of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force apprehended Julius Evans Jr., on Friday. He has been charged with first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the death of James Otis Kithcart.
Investigators said on Nov. 20, 2019, a nearby resident found Kithcart, 62, lying in his yard on Paul Lane, just off Coleman Loop Road. Kithcart died from multiple gunshot wounds.
“I am proud of the tenacious efforts of the investigators — this was not an easy case to solve," said Josh Wood, captain of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. "They had to be slow, patient, and methodical. Sometimes, as in this situation, a crime is solved while investigating other matters, causing relevant new information to come to light.”
Evans, of Elon, is in the Orange County Detention Center under no bond. His first court appearance will be Monday at 2 p.m.
“The US Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force group did a great job today, safely arresting Mr. Evans," Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said. "Members of the task force have specialized training in high risk warrant service; this arrest highlights the importance of our partnership with them.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to call him at (919) 245-2951.
