Few details released in Evans murder; suspect still at large
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on July 6, 2018 5:50 AM
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Floyd Anthony
Few details have been released in the murder investigation of former Fremont Mayor Floyd Anthony "Andy" Evans.
Evans, the town mayor from 1998 to 2003, was found dead by a family member on June 16 at his property on Evans Farm Road.
Maj. Richard Lewis, with Wayne County Sheriff's Office, confirmed that a 911 call was made at 1:19 p.m., prior to officers responding to the scene. The caller said that someone had been shot at 129 Evans Farm Road. Deputies declined to confirm who made the call.
An autopsy performed by the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that Evans died from a gunshot wound. Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce ruled the death as a homicide.
The sheriff's office is actively investigating the murder, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation. Pierce said the SBI involvement is a common procedure following the death of a former public official.
"We felt like we needed additional resources," Pierce said.
Pierce said his department is continuing to pursue all leads, with a focus on making sure all bases are covered during the investigation. To date, no arrest has been made. Pierce declined to comment on a motive.
Patty McQuillan, SBI spokesperson, declined to provide details regarding SBI involvement in the case.
"We assist law enforcement agency anytime that we are asked to do so," she said.
The Fremont Police Department is not involved in the investigation, since Evans' property is not within the town's limits and not under Fremont police jurisdiction, said Police Chief Paul Moats.
The last time the town of Fremont had a murder was in 2011 on New Year's Day at the Bentwood Court mobile home park. Teresa Pierce Harrelson was shot three times by her live-in boyfriend Honorio Grajales. When officers arrived on the scene, they found 44-year-old Grajales standing over the body of 49-year-old Harrelson. She later died at Wayne UNC Health Care.
Grajales was originally charged with first-degree murder, but pleaded no contest and was charged with second-degree murder. He is currently serving a sentence of eight to 11 years in prison.
The death of Evans has gripped the northern Wayne County town of nearly 1,250 residents. Town officials, residents and friends remember the former mayor as a forward-thinking leader who made a difference as an elected official and a farmer.
Evans died the day before Father's Day and two days before his 66th birthday.
Evans was a lifelong farmer and the president of Evans Farms Inc. He served in countless leadership positions with the town of Fremont, Wayne Community College, N.C. Jaycees, Fremont United Methodist Church and Wayne County Young Farmers. He was a member and past master of Masonic Home Lodge No. 613. He served as a member of the Wayne Community College board of trustees from 2007 until 2015.
Anyone with information about the crime can call the Wayne County Sheriff's Office tip line at 919-705-1862, the SBI tip line at 1-800-334-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255 or text 919-735-2255. Callers will remain anonymous, and a cash reward is provided if an arrest results in charges.