Edgecombe County Serial Killer
Edgecombe County Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Edgecombe County, North Carolina
TIME PERIOD
2005-2009
VICTIMS
10 confirmed
The Edgecombe County serial killer, also known as "The Seven Bridges Killer," is an unidentified perpetrator responsible for the murders of at least ten African-American women, primarily engaged in prostitution and struggling with drug addiction, in Edgecombe and Halifax counties, North Carolina, between 2005 and 2009. Eight victims' remains have been recovered, with several found near Seven Bridges Road in Rocky Mount. As of December 2023, the case remains unsolved, and the suspect has not been apprehended.
Theories surrounding the Edgecombe County serial killer suggest a pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, specifically African-American women involved in prostitution and struggling with drug addiction. Some community speculation points to the possibility that the killer may have connections to the local area, given the specific locations where the victims' remains were found, particularly near Seven Bridges Road. Additionally, there is concern about the lack of progress in the investigation, leading some to theorize about potential law enforcement oversights or community complicity.
Edgecombe County Serial Killer
Overview
The Edgecombe County serial killer remains a haunting enigma in the rural landscapes of Edgecombe and Halifax counties in North Carolina. This unidentified predator is suspected of claiming the lives of at least ten African-American women, with the remains of eight victims recovered to date. Due to the geographical proximity of several victims' remains to Seven Bridges Road in Rocky Mount, the killer has also been dubbed "The Seven Bridges Killer." Each victim shared a tragic background, often associated with prostitution and struggles with drug addiction.
Timeline of Events
Victim Reports and Discoveries
The dark narrative of this case began with the disappearance of Melody Wiggins, a 29-year-old woman from Rocky Mount. She was reported missing on May 30, 2005, and her partially stripped body was discovered on June 2 in a remote area of Edgecombe County. A forensic autopsy revealed she had suffered multiple knife wounds and blunt force trauma to the head, ultimately leading to her death.
On January 16, 2007, the family of Christine Mary Boone, aged 43, reported her missing. Unfortunately, her skeletonized remains were not found until March 9, 2010, leaving her family in anguish for years.
In an eerie pattern, Jackie Nikelia Thorpe went missing on May 8, 2007, with her severely decomposed body being uncovered on August 17 near Seven Bridges Road. This marked the first victim linked to this notorious location.
The case took a chilling turn when Joyce Renee Durham, 46, was seen for the last time on June 17, 2007. As of December 2023, she remains unaccounted for, adding another layer of mystery to this tragic saga.
In February 2008, Ernestine Battle, 50, vanished, with her remains discovered on March 14 by a farmer, again near Seven Bridges Road. The medical examiner could not determine the cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition.
A year later, Yolanda Rene Lancaster, 36, was reported missing on February 5, 2009. Her remains were eventually found in a wooded area off Seven Bridges Road by hunters in January 2011.
Just days later, on March 27, 2010, the body of Elizabeth Jane Smallwood, 33, was found on a soccer field in Rocky Mount. Her disappearance date remains a mystery due to her lack of contact with family. Notably, she was the sister of serial killer Robert Smallwood, linking her to a disturbing family history.
On February 22, 28, Taraha Shenice Nicholson, 28, was reported missing, and her body was located on March 7 near Seven Bridges Road. An autopsy confirmed she had been strangled.
Finally, Jarniece Latonya Hargrove, 31, was reported missing on April 25, with her remains found on June 29 in a wooded area just yards from Seven Bridges Road. This pattern of disappearances and discoveries paints a grim picture of a killer operating with chilling precision.
On March 27, 2010, a man riding an ATV stumbled upon the body of Roberta Williams, 40, alongside Seven Bridges Road. Despite the family's earlier reports to the police about Roberta's disappearance, law enforcement denied having a record of it, raising questions about the investigation's thoroughness.
Investigation
As law enforcement delved deeper into these gruesome murders, investigators discovered traces of sperm on Taraha Nicholson's body, which ultimately became a pivotal piece of evidence. DNA analysis linked these biological traces to Antwan Pittman, a convicted felon from Rocky Mount. In September 2009, Pittman was charged with Nicholson's murder, marking a significant turn in the case.
Main Suspect: Antwan Pittman
Born on July 15, 1978, in Rocky Mount, Antwan Pittman had a troubled upbringing. Raised by a single mother, he began engaging in criminal activities during his school years. His criminal record includes an arrest in 1994 for attempting to sexually assault a two-year-old, for which he accepted a plea deal for indecent behavior, resulting in probation and a stint in a juvenile rehabilitation facility.
His lengthy history of offenses included theft, assault, and resisting arrest, culminating in a 2003 conviction for failing to disclose his status as a registered sex offender while applying for jobs. He spent time in jail for various offenses, including drunk driving in 2004 and assaulting a prostitute in the same vicinity where other victims would later be found.
In the spring of 2009, Pittman was arrested again for DUI but was released on bail. After failing to appear in court, he was listed as a fugitive until his apprehension in Nash County that August. Once in custody, he faced charges for Nicholson's murder, but investigators began to suspect he was responsible for the other unsolved cases as well.
What makes this case even more compelling is that Pittman had deep ties to the area surrounding Seven Bridges Road. He spent years living with his grandparents just a few miles from where the bodies were discovered. Prior to his arrest, he resided in a one-story brick home near Seven Bridges Road and had even lived near the soccer field where Elizabeth Smallwood's body was found.
In a shocking turn of events, Pittman was arrested on the same day Jarniece Hargrove disappeared—found unconscious in his vehicle with his pants down, leading to charges of drunk driving. Two months later, Hargrove's remains were located a mere 180 yards away.
During his trial, Pittman admitted to knowing Taraha Nicholson and claimed that he paid for her services shortly before her death. However, he maintained that he dropped her off near the library in Rocky Mount and never saw her again. Ultimately, in September 2011, Pittman was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Despite being convicted only for Nicholson's murder, Pittman's profile and the circumstantial evidence have led both the media and law enforcement to suspect his involvement in the other murders as well. Curiously, the killings appeared to cease following his arrest, which adds another layer of intrigue to this already complex case.
Public Awareness
In an effort to honor the victims and raise awareness about the Edgecombe County serial killer, a charity motorcycle ride was organized in July 2012. This ride aimed to support the families of the five women whose bodies had been uncovered and to shed light on the plight of the nine women believed to be victims of the Edgecombe killer.
Conclusion
The Edgecombe County serial killer case remains a haunting reminder of the unresolved violence that can lurk in the shadows of society. With Antwan Pittman behind bars, questions still linger about the full extent of his crimes and the many victims who continue to go unnamed.
Sources
- "Rocky Mount police chief suspects serial killer in deaths." WRAL. March 31, 2010.
- Kotz, Pete (September 2, 2009). "Antwan Maurice Pittman: Have Police Caught a Serial Killer in Rocky Mount, North Carolina?" True Crime Report.
- Erickson, Jon (October 23, 2010). "Human Remains Found In Halifax County." WCTI 12.
- "Victim's mother talks about renewed probe into daughter's death." WRAL-TV. July 1, 2009.
- "Funeral held for once-missing Rocky Mount woman." WRAL-TV. March 27, 2010.
- "Body of Thorpe found." WRAL-TV. August 17, 2007.
- "COINCIDENCE OR VICTIMS OF A SERIAL KILLER? Seven Bridges Rd Killer - Nash/Edge." NC Fighting Crime. October 24, 2020.
- "NEW INFO: Human Remains Found In Edgecombe County Woods." WITN. January 11, 2011.
- McDonald, Thomasi (January 12, 2011). "Remains found where others discovered." Newsobserver.
- "Rocky Mount body identified." WRAL-TV. October 12, 2009.
- Hixenbaugh, Mike (October 31, 2009). "Smallwood's brother in prison for serial killings." Rocky Mount Telegram.
- "Taraha Nicholson's body found." WRAL-TV. March 7, 2009.
- "Sheriff: Remains ID'd as one of missing women." WRAL-TV. January 15, 2011.
- "Body of woman identified." WRAL-TV. July 8, 2009.
- "Remains identified as Rocky Mount woman." WRAL-TV. April 1, 2010.
- "Pittman moved to Raleigh for safety." WRAL-TV. September 3, 2009.
- Hixenbaugh, Mike (October 7, 2009). "Portrait of a suspected serial killer."
- "Warrant links murder suspect to deaths of Rocky Mount women." WRAL-TV. March 15, 2010.
- "Pittman found guilty in missing Rocky Mount woman's death." WRAL-TV. September 29, 2011.
- Kay, Lindell John (October 30, 2016). "Families of serial killer's victims still await justice." Associated Press.
- "Motorcyclists ride for Edgecombe Co. murder victims." ABC 11. July 27, 2012.
External Links
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First Victim Reported Missing
29-year-old Melody Wiggins reported missing in Rocky Mount.
First Victim Found
Melody Wiggins' body discovered in rural Edgecombe County.
Jackie Thorpe Missing
Jackie Nikelia Thorpe reported missing; remains found later.
Ernestine Battle Missing
50-year-old Ernestine Battle goes missing; remains found in 2010.
Yolanda Lancaster Missing
36-year-old Yolanda Rene Lancaster reported missing; remains found in 2011.
Pittman Charged
Antwan Pittman charged with the murder of Taraha Nicholson.
Pittman Convicted
Antwan Pittman found guilty of Taraha Nicholson's murder; sentenced to life.
Charity Ride for Victims
Charity motorcycle ride held to raise awareness for the victims.
The Edgecombe County serial killer, also known as "The Seven Bridges Killer," is an unidentified perpetrator responsible for the murders of at least ten African-American women, primarily engaged in prostitution and struggling with drug addiction, in Edgecombe and Halifax counties, North Carolina, between 2005 and 2009. Eight victims' remains have been recovered, with several found near Seven Bridges Road in Rocky Mount. As of December 2023, the case remains unsolved, and the suspect has not been apprehended.
Theories surrounding the Edgecombe County serial killer suggest a pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, specifically African-American women involved in prostitution and struggling with drug addiction. Some community speculation points to the possibility that the killer may have connections to the local area, given the specific locations where the victims' remains were found, particularly near Seven Bridges Road. Additionally, there is concern about the lack of progress in the investigation, leading some to theorize about potential law enforcement oversights or community complicity.
Edgecombe County Serial Killer
Overview
The Edgecombe County serial killer remains a haunting enigma in the rural landscapes of Edgecombe and Halifax counties in North Carolina. This unidentified predator is suspected of claiming the lives of at least ten African-American women, with the remains of eight victims recovered to date. Due to the geographical proximity of several victims' remains to Seven Bridges Road in Rocky Mount, the killer has also been dubbed "The Seven Bridges Killer." Each victim shared a tragic background, often associated with prostitution and struggles with drug addiction.
Timeline of Events
Victim Reports and Discoveries
The dark narrative of this case began with the disappearance of Melody Wiggins, a 29-year-old woman from Rocky Mount. She was reported missing on May 30, 2005, and her partially stripped body was discovered on June 2 in a remote area of Edgecombe County. A forensic autopsy revealed she had suffered multiple knife wounds and blunt force trauma to the head, ultimately leading to her death.
On January 16, 2007, the family of Christine Mary Boone, aged 43, reported her missing. Unfortunately, her skeletonized remains were not found until March 9, 2010, leaving her family in anguish for years.
In an eerie pattern, Jackie Nikelia Thorpe went missing on May 8, 2007, with her severely decomposed body being uncovered on August 17 near Seven Bridges Road. This marked the first victim linked to this notorious location.
The case took a chilling turn when Joyce Renee Durham, 46, was seen for the last time on June 17, 2007. As of December 2023, she remains unaccounted for, adding another layer of mystery to this tragic saga.
In February 2008, Ernestine Battle, 50, vanished, with her remains discovered on March 14 by a farmer, again near Seven Bridges Road. The medical examiner could not determine the cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition.
A year later, Yolanda Rene Lancaster, 36, was reported missing on February 5, 2009. Her remains were eventually found in a wooded area off Seven Bridges Road by hunters in January 2011.
Just days later, on March 27, 2010, the body of Elizabeth Jane Smallwood, 33, was found on a soccer field in Rocky Mount. Her disappearance date remains a mystery due to her lack of contact with family. Notably, she was the sister of serial killer Robert Smallwood, linking her to a disturbing family history.
On February 22, 28, Taraha Shenice Nicholson, 28, was reported missing, and her body was located on March 7 near Seven Bridges Road. An autopsy confirmed she had been strangled.
Finally, Jarniece Latonya Hargrove, 31, was reported missing on April 25, with her remains found on June 29 in a wooded area just yards from Seven Bridges Road. This pattern of disappearances and discoveries paints a grim picture of a killer operating with chilling precision.
On March 27, 2010, a man riding an ATV stumbled upon the body of Roberta Williams, 40, alongside Seven Bridges Road. Despite the family's earlier reports to the police about Roberta's disappearance, law enforcement denied having a record of it, raising questions about the investigation's thoroughness.
Investigation
As law enforcement delved deeper into these gruesome murders, investigators discovered traces of sperm on Taraha Nicholson's body, which ultimately became a pivotal piece of evidence. DNA analysis linked these biological traces to Antwan Pittman, a convicted felon from Rocky Mount. In September 2009, Pittman was charged with Nicholson's murder, marking a significant turn in the case.
Main Suspect: Antwan Pittman
Born on July 15, 1978, in Rocky Mount, Antwan Pittman had a troubled upbringing. Raised by a single mother, he began engaging in criminal activities during his school years. His criminal record includes an arrest in 1994 for attempting to sexually assault a two-year-old, for which he accepted a plea deal for indecent behavior, resulting in probation and a stint in a juvenile rehabilitation facility.
His lengthy history of offenses included theft, assault, and resisting arrest, culminating in a 2003 conviction for failing to disclose his status as a registered sex offender while applying for jobs. He spent time in jail for various offenses, including drunk driving in 2004 and assaulting a prostitute in the same vicinity where other victims would later be found.
In the spring of 2009, Pittman was arrested again for DUI but was released on bail. After failing to appear in court, he was listed as a fugitive until his apprehension in Nash County that August. Once in custody, he faced charges for Nicholson's murder, but investigators began to suspect he was responsible for the other unsolved cases as well.
What makes this case even more compelling is that Pittman had deep ties to the area surrounding Seven Bridges Road. He spent years living with his grandparents just a few miles from where the bodies were discovered. Prior to his arrest, he resided in a one-story brick home near Seven Bridges Road and had even lived near the soccer field where Elizabeth Smallwood's body was found.
In a shocking turn of events, Pittman was arrested on the same day Jarniece Hargrove disappeared—found unconscious in his vehicle with his pants down, leading to charges of drunk driving. Two months later, Hargrove's remains were located a mere 180 yards away.
During his trial, Pittman admitted to knowing Taraha Nicholson and claimed that he paid for her services shortly before her death. However, he maintained that he dropped her off near the library in Rocky Mount and never saw her again. Ultimately, in September 2011, Pittman was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Despite being convicted only for Nicholson's murder, Pittman's profile and the circumstantial evidence have led both the media and law enforcement to suspect his involvement in the other murders as well. Curiously, the killings appeared to cease following his arrest, which adds another layer of intrigue to this already complex case.
Public Awareness
In an effort to honor the victims and raise awareness about the Edgecombe County serial killer, a charity motorcycle ride was organized in July 2012. This ride aimed to support the families of the five women whose bodies had been uncovered and to shed light on the plight of the nine women believed to be victims of the Edgecombe killer.
Conclusion
The Edgecombe County serial killer case remains a haunting reminder of the unresolved violence that can lurk in the shadows of society. With Antwan Pittman behind bars, questions still linger about the full extent of his crimes and the many victims who continue to go unnamed.
Sources
- "Rocky Mount police chief suspects serial killer in deaths." WRAL. March 31, 2010.
- Kotz, Pete (September 2, 2009). "Antwan Maurice Pittman: Have Police Caught a Serial Killer in Rocky Mount, North Carolina?" True Crime Report.
- Erickson, Jon (October 23, 2010). "Human Remains Found In Halifax County." WCTI 12.
- "Victim's mother talks about renewed probe into daughter's death." WRAL-TV. July 1, 2009.
- "Funeral held for once-missing Rocky Mount woman." WRAL-TV. March 27, 2010.
- "Body of Thorpe found." WRAL-TV. August 17, 2007.
- "COINCIDENCE OR VICTIMS OF A SERIAL KILLER? Seven Bridges Rd Killer - Nash/Edge." NC Fighting Crime. October 24, 2020.
- "NEW INFO: Human Remains Found In Edgecombe County Woods." WITN. January 11, 2011.
- McDonald, Thomasi (January 12, 2011). "Remains found where others discovered." Newsobserver.
- "Rocky Mount body identified." WRAL-TV. October 12, 2009.
- Hixenbaugh, Mike (October 31, 2009). "Smallwood's brother in prison for serial killings." Rocky Mount Telegram.
- "Taraha Nicholson's body found." WRAL-TV. March 7, 2009.
- "Sheriff: Remains ID'd as one of missing women." WRAL-TV. January 15, 2011.
- "Body of woman identified." WRAL-TV. July 8, 2009.
- "Remains identified as Rocky Mount woman." WRAL-TV. April 1, 2010.
- "Pittman moved to Raleigh for safety." WRAL-TV. September 3, 2009.
- Hixenbaugh, Mike (October 7, 2009). "Portrait of a suspected serial killer."
- "Warrant links murder suspect to deaths of Rocky Mount women." WRAL-TV. March 15, 2010.
- "Pittman found guilty in missing Rocky Mount woman's death." WRAL-TV. September 29, 2011.
- Kay, Lindell John (October 30, 2016). "Families of serial killer's victims still await justice." Associated Press.
- "Motorcyclists ride for Edgecombe Co. murder victims." ABC 11. July 27, 2012.
External Links
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Victim Reported Missing
29-year-old Melody Wiggins reported missing in Rocky Mount.
First Victim Found
Melody Wiggins' body discovered in rural Edgecombe County.
Jackie Thorpe Missing
Jackie Nikelia Thorpe reported missing; remains found later.
Ernestine Battle Missing
50-year-old Ernestine Battle goes missing; remains found in 2010.
Yolanda Lancaster Missing
36-year-old Yolanda Rene Lancaster reported missing; remains found in 2011.
Pittman Charged
Antwan Pittman charged with the murder of Taraha Nicholson.
Pittman Convicted
Antwan Pittman found guilty of Taraha Nicholson's murder; sentenced to life.
Charity Ride for Victims
Charity motorcycle ride held to raise awareness for the victims.