Covington man arrested in North Carolina murder after months-long search

COVINGTON, Ga. – A Covington man is behind bars in Georgia after a two-month-long seek for a homicide that occurred in North Carolina. Police say Robert Tyjuan Reid killed a lady, and tried to kill one other.

The investigation into the mysterious homicide that rocked a small city started Feb. 20, 2023 in Aulander, N.C. 

Lin Thi Rawls, an 80-year-old lady, was recognized because the deceased sufferer. Officers mentioned she had celebrated her birthday simply days earlier than the incident.

Rawls’ caregiver, Rochelle Harrell, was recognized because the critically injured sufferer.

Bertie County deputies say Rawls’ and Harrell have been on the 80-year-old lady’s house that day. There have been no indicators of pressured entry, including a twist to the case.

Nonetheless, Reid was named a suspect after authorities in N.C. mentioned they carried out an in depth investigation.

After two months of trying to find him, Reid was arrested in Covington and has been charged with first diploma forcible rape, first diploma homicide, tried first diploma homicide, two counts of first diploma kidnappings and different associated felony fees.

Rawls’ daughter instructed WCTI-TV in N.C. that Reid’s arrest gave her a semblance of closure.

“There was some aid, and I say that as a result of know we all know this individual isn’t on the market anymore,” mentioned Cathy Lapid. “He’s not out on the streets, he can’t harm anyone else, and that’s what my household and I wished. We simply didn’t need him to harm anyone else like this.”

Members of the small city have been shaken up by the seemingly random act of violence.

“Residing or staying in Aulander, you don’t assume or can’t even think about one thing like this occur,” Lapid mentioned. “And when it did, it invokes a lot concern for your complete group, and it most likely nonetheless does”

Lapid is assured her household and group will in the future overcome the concern this has left. Within the days following her mom’s tragic dying, associates and neighbors held a prayer vigil to recollect the Aulander resident who greeted everybody with a loving smile.

“Once I take into consideration her life, which was a really arduous one, she nonetheless discovered the power to have a lot love and compassion for individuals, and that’s what I feel stands out for a lot of once they bear in mind her,” Lapid mentioned.

The one factor Lapid asks for within the wake of her mom’s dying is peace and security in her city.

NewsChannel 12, WCTI-TV, in North Carolina contributed to this report