Statesville man charged in death of Brunswick County man

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WECT) - A Statesville man has been charged with kidnapping and murder in the death of a Brunswick County man who was found with “traumatic injuries” Friday, according to police.

Officers found Jason Thomas Stanley in the area of Museum Road near the Gregory Creek Trailhead after receiving a report of suspicious activity at about 7:49 p.m. Nov. 6, the Statesville Police Department said.

Police said Iredell County EMS and Statesville firefighters tried to save Stanley at the scene before he was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Police identified 27-year-old Noah Taylor Harris of Statesville as a suspect. Harris and Stanley knew each other, and police said the incident was not a random act of violence.

Officers questioned Harris on Nov. 6 and later charged him with murder and first-degree kidnapping. He was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was ordered to be held on no bond.

During his first court appearance, Harris was assigned a public defender. Court documents note that Harris is a danger to the community.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call Statesville police at 704-878-3406 or submit an anonymous tip through the See Something, Say Something form.