Man charged in 1972 murder, rape dies in North Carolina prison

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A 68-year-old man arrested two years in the past in reference to a 1972 homicide and rape in Johnston County, North Carolina, has died in jail whereas awaiting trial, officers stated Monday.

Larry Joe Scott was awaiting trial on prices of first-degree homicide, rape and kidnapping within the demise of Bonnie Neighbors in 1972. His demise was introduced by Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell and District Lawyer Susan Doyle.

Scott was despatched to the Johnston Medical Heart’s emergency division on March 21 earlier than being transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill for remedy. He was then moved to Central Jail on April 3 and died on Friday.

Scott’s explanation for demise was not launched.

Neighbors was killed on Dec. 14, 1972, whereas she held her son in her arms, Bizzell stated. Her physique was discovered three days later, sure and shot twice at a migrant camp along with her son nonetheless alive subsequent to her physique. 

Scott, who at one time lived in Benson, was residing on the streets of Bradenton, Florida, on the time of his arrest in April 2019.

The investigation into Neighbor’s demise was reopened in April 2007 by Bizzell. Two detectives, Capt. Buck Pipkin and Lt. Ryan Benson, labored 12 years on the case, which led to Scott’s arrest. The investigators discovered Scott’s fingerprints within the sufferer’s automobile, Bizzell stated.

Scott was slated to go on trial in August.

“The proof in opposition to Scott was conclusive and overwhelming,” Doyle stated. “The DA’s Workplace is appreciative of the laborious work of the Sheriff’s Workplace and the SBI. We’re grateful that the development in forensic expertise allowed us to completely and positively determine the assassin liable for these heinous crimes.”