News Reporter

The prime suspect in the case of the murder of a Boone resident was recently found and taken into custody.

The suspect is linked with the death of Jimmy D. Roberts, 40, employee of the pawn shop Gold and Closeout Connection at 499 E King St.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Roberts’ family called the Boone Police Department, concerned because Roberts had not come home from work.

Boone Police and the Boone Fire Department then entered the locked pawn shop and found Roberts dead from a gunshot wound.

Boone Police said Roberts’ vehicle was discovered missing and items had been taken from the store.

Boone Police and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation then began their search for John Richard Gray, prime murder suspect.

Gray, 28, is a resident of Virginia Beach, Va.

Boone Police Chief Bill Post said Gray is also wanted in Virginia and Florida for larceny.

Gray had reportedly been in the Boone area up to approximately two weeks.

After replacing the North Carolina license plate on the victim’s pewter 2005 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup with an Indiana license plate, Gray fled Boone.

The victim’s vehicle was then spotted in Mendota, Ill. after a caller phoned in a tip that someone was selling firearms near a local McDonald’s from their truck.

On Christmas morning, the victim’s vehicle was found near an area hotel.

Illinois State Police secured the area, evacuated guests, located Gray and began negotiating with him for his surrender.

A standoff occurred for several hours before Gray finally gave in.

Boone Police said Gray surrendered at approximately 9 a.m. on Christmas day and has been taken into custody by Illinois authorities.

Arrangements are being made for his transportation to North Carolina to face murder charges, as well as further possible charges.

Funeral services were held for Roberts Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Greenway Baptist Church in Boone. 

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