18-year-old charged with murder in connection to death of Durham father who was also an Uber Driver
BENSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- An 18-year-old was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the death of a Durham man who was found shot and killed in the back seat of a car in Johnston County on Sunday.
On Wednesday, The Johnston County Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant at a mobile home on Denn Field Lane in the Meadow Community.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, Tray'vian Brown of Dunn was arrested and charged with the murder of 57-year-old Emmanuel Kwame Gbedee.
Gbedee's family told ABC11 they were devastated and at a loss for words after the Durham father was found more than 70 miles away from home just a few hours after they last saw him.
"Our hearts are still heavy, but there's some relief to know that someone has been identified. It is mortifying to know that you know, someone so young," said Emmanuel Gbedee Jr. "I want to give a huge thank you to ...Johnson County, the detectives, the medical examiner's autopsy, folks like they've been working tirelessly day and night to ... clarity to this case. So we want to just highlight and thank them for just the work that they're doing."
The sheriff's office said Gbedee was working as an Uber driver and is believed to have picked up Brown in the area of Holly Grove Road in Benson.
Authorities said Gbedee was found dead inside his vehicle from a gunshot wound a short distance away from where he picked up Brown.
Deputies said Gbedee and Brown had no association before the incident, and the motive for the shooting is unknown.
In a statement to ABC11, Uber said, "Our hearts are heavy for Mr. Gbedee's family and loved ones as they grapple with this unthinkable loss. We banned the rider's account and are supporting law enforcement with their investigation as they work to bring those responsible to justice."
WATCH: Balloon release held for Durham father found shot, killed in Benson
Brown is being held in the Johnston County Jail without bond.
