JACKSON – One person is behind bars here and more arrests are expected as the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a murder that occurred Friday night near Woodland.

Raquan Omar Williams, 22, of Woodland was arrested yesterday (Monday) and charged with first-degree murder. He stands accused of killing Edward Phipps, age 49, of Littleton, according to Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith.

Smith said that shortly before midnight Friday, his deputies responded to Arrowhead Mobile Home Park, located off NC 35 between Woodland and Potecasi, in reference to a “shots fired” call.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that one male, later identified as Phipps, had been shot. Despite efforts by Northampton County Paramedics, who arrived at the scene after it was secured by law enforcement personnel, Phipps died a few hours later as a result of his wounds.

Sheriff Smith said the incident was determined to be the result of a home invasion at the victim’s residence. He summoned the NC SBI to assist in the investigation.

In addition to the murder charges, Williams also stands charged with eight counts of first degree kidnapping, three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of first degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering, and injury to personal property.

Smith noted that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected in the coming days.

“I would like to thank the NC State Bureau of Investigations and the investigators with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and thorough investigation in this case,” Smith said.

The Sheriff encourages any citizens with information about this case to please contact his office at 252-534-2611 or the Crime Stoppers Line at 252-534-1110. Callers can remain anonymous.