Man charged with murder of Roanoke Rapids pizza delivery driver
An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday and charged with the murder of a Domino’s delivery driver in Roanoke Rapids, the Halifax County sheriff said Thursday.
Courtez Malik Powell was charged with the murder of 21-year-old James Anthony Lee, Jr., who was found dead in his car with multiple gunshot wounds early Tuesday, Sheriff Wes Tripp said.
Lee, of Weldon, was delivering a pizza to the Branch Avenue area of Roanoke Rapids for Domino’s, where he had been employed for a week, Tripp said.
Officials said Lee hadn’t checked in with his boss, who grew concerned. Coworkers found Lee dead and called authorities.
Tripp said authorities are still searching for a second suspect, although he didn’t provide further details.
Deputies are investigating whether the two suspected shooters are connected to other robberies in the area.
Andy King, a Domino's Pizza representative, said there are restricted delivery areas, and this was the second time one of their drivers had been robbed in the area.
“We’re shocked and saddened by this horrible crime," King said. "Pizza and pocket change.”
After Lee's death, Domino's Pizza offered a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction, and the sheriff's office offered an additional $5,000 reward.
Powell was also charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. He was being held Thursday in the Halifax County jail without bond.
