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WINDSOR – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for two murders that occurred just 48 hours apart in April of last year.

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said that despite the passage of 19 months, his officers along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation remain focused on solving the cases of Ricky Gilliam and Horace Lassiter.

Gilliam, age 68, was shot and killed on April 4, 2023 at his residence in the 2100 block of Governor’s Road, located near Mt. Olive Road between Windsor and Lewiston Woodville.

Ruffin said deputies were dispatched to the residence at around 9:40 p.m. Upon their arrival, Gilliam was found to have been shot multiple times, apparently while answering the door.

The Sheriff added that his deputies interviewed a family member of Gilliam who was inside the residence at the time of the shooting. That individual stated that the door bell rang and as Gilliam approached the door, they heard several gunshots from the outside.

On April 6, 2023, Lassiter, age 33, was shot and killed outside of his home on Lee Street in Lewiston Woodville. Deputies were dispatched to that residence at 9:44 p.m. Upon their arrival, Lassiter was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

“Each one of these violent crimes has made a heavy impact on our county,” Sheriff Ruffin said at a press conference held after those two murders. “These cases have been unpredictable, but we will work hard to bring the right people to justice and bring closure to the families.”

“Now is the time to take a stand for our county and our communities,” Ruffin added. “We here at the Sheriff’s Office cannot do this alone. It will take everyone to make our communities and our county safer.

Those with information to share on one or both cases can contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 252-794-5330. Callers can remain anonymous.

Ruffin said he and his staff, along with the family members of the two victims, appreciate any assistance from the public.