Not a good way to start 2026, but here we are…
Two separate homicides in Bertie County and Ahoskie are under active investigation, with law enforcement agencies in both jurisdictions asking the public for information that could help move the cases forward. And let’s not forget the shooting on Thursday in Plymouth.
In Bertie County, first responders were dispatched at 3:07 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, to a reported vehicle accident on Harrell Siding Road near Highway 11. According to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical services and fire personnel arrived on scene and discovered 27-year-old Tahlik Deloatch deceased inside a vehicle from apparent gunshot wounds.
The incident prompted an active investigation, and Harrell Siding Road near Highway 11 was closed Saturday as authorities worked the scene. Officials advised motorists to avoid the area during the closure.
The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has continued to request the public’s assistance in the case and thanked those who have already called with information. Investigators are specifically asking anyone who was traveling on Harrell Siding Road between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2026, and noticed any vehicle or vehicles stopped on the side of the road to contact the sheriff’s office investigation division.
“We continue to ask anyone who was traveling on Harrell Siding Road yesterday between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm and noticed any vehicle or vehicles on the side of the road to report it,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 252-794-5330. Callers may remain anonymous. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case.
Meanwhile, Ahoskie police are investigating a homicide after a man was found shot to death early Friday morning at a local convenience store.
According to the Ahoskie Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, to the Speedway convenience store located at 1000 E. Memorial Drive, following a report of a shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
The victim was identified as Randy M. Riddick, 60, of Powellsville. Police said Riddick was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have not indicated whether any suspects have been identified or whether the incident stemmed from an altercation. Officials also did not specify whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the store.
The Ahoskie Police Department said the case remains under active investigation, with officers continuing to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. Investigators emphasized that even small details could be helpful as they work to determine what led to the fatal shooting.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Ahoskie Police Department at 252-332-5011.
Both cases remain open as authorities continue to seek answers in the fatal shootings reported less than 24 hours apart.
