Man charged with murder in investigation of missing Sampson County man

A man has been charged with murder in connection to the missing person investigation of a Sampson County farm laborer.

David "Van" Alphin was last seen on Feb. 2 at the hog farm he worked at on Elwood Road in Clinton.

His family filed a missing person report on Feb. 22 after not seeing or hearing from him for several days. Alphin's family also offered a $5,000 reward for information to help find him.

Sampson County deputies said during the investigation, enough substantial evidence was found to charge James Eric House, 35, of Clinton, with murder.

"At this time, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to release any specifics as to what evidence has been located," said Lt. Marcus Smith in a statement.

House was taken into custody at his house on Monday. He remained at the Sampson County Detention Center under no bond.

Deputies said they are still asking for information on the whereabouts of Alphin.

"This has been a lengthy investigation where investigators have suspected malice from the onset," said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton in a statement.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Sampson Count Sheriff's Office.