Lead investigator removed from Albemarle homicide case

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Channel 9 has learned the lead investigator, on the case of an 81-year-old Albemarle store owner who was shot and killed on Halloween, has been removed from the case.

The State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that it has opened an investigation into Captain David Dulin as requested by the District Attorney. The District Attorney did not comment on why.

The Albemarle Police chief also wouldn't comment on why but did say the state investigation has nothing to do with this murder case. He said a sergeant with the department is taking the lead on the case right now and it is moving forward.

The police chief also told Channel 9 that Dulin is not on leave. He has been re-assigned to another project for right now.

Channel 9 reached out to Captain Dulin but hasn't heard back.

On Sunday, Eyewitness News was the only station there as police pulled Roger Gibson's truck from a park nearby. Police tell us the suspect drove the truck away from the scene the night he shot Gibson.

Neighbors, who live near the store, hope that kind of evidence soon leads to an arrest.

"I want them to get the fella," said Mary Eudy, a neighbor. "We're afraid to leave the windows open at night."

Another neighbor told Channel 9 she was home when the crime happened and gave police a statement about what she saw. She said she wonders if she had been outside her house at the time of the shooting, would Gibson have lived.

"If I sat here just a minute longer and heard something I could have called and maybe gave him a little second chance," said Ashley Shive-Martin.

Go to our previous coverage by clicking here.

WSOC