GASTON — An arrest has been made in the murder of a Gaston teenager.

According to Northampton County Sheriff Wardie P. Vincent, Rashon Rakeem Squire, 18, of 1100 Otterdale Rd, Midlothian, Va. stands charged with the murder of 17-year-old Triston Jaquan Perry.

On Monday, Northampton County Sheriff’s Chief Detective D.M. Harmon arrested and charged Squire with first degree murder. The suspect is in Northampton County Jail under no bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Vincent said the discovery of Perry’s body on Clover Lane, a dirt path in Gaston, was reported to his office Monday at approximately 9:10 a.m.

The initial report was that the victim had been shot, but the sheriff said upon the start of the investigation it was discovered Perry suffered from multiple stab wounds. Vincent said the body appeared to have been there for some time.

Vincent said investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Unit were called in for assistance.

Perry’s body was transported to the pathologist’s office in Greenville for an autopsy. Vincent said the results are expected back by early Wednesday.

Though Squire is from Virginia, Vincent said he was recently staying at a residence on Ashe Street in Gaston.

According to www.rrspin.com, Perry and Squire attended Northampton County High School-West together at some point.

Vincent said the investigation is continuing and there may be more arrests or charges pending.

Various agencies assisted at the crime scene, including the Gaston, Garysburg and Seaboard police departments, Gaston and Northampton County Emergency Services, Gaston Fire Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Vincent said appreciates the cooperation his office has received from the citizens in the area and urged those with any additional information regarding this crime to contact either the Northampton County Crime Stoppers’ line at (252) 534-1110 or the Northampton County Sheriff’s Officer at (252) 534-2611.