FIRST ON WITN: Arrest Made In Bertie County Murder
FIRST ON WITN: Arrest Made In Bertie County Murder Save Email Print
Posted: 5:31 PM Jul 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:47 PM Jul 15, 2008
60 comments
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An arrest has been made in the death of a 19-year-old Berite County teen.

Sheriff Greg Atkins says Kendall Riddick, a cousin of the victim, was arrested at his home. The 26-year-old man is charged with first degree murder.

Jessica Riddick was found last Thursday evening outside her wrecked vehicle. The sheriff says she had been stabbed twice in the stomach.

Deputies say they recovered the murder weapon, a kitchen knife, in a ditch near the murder scene.

The suspect is being held at the Bertie Martin Regional Jail under no bond.

Stay with witn.com and WITN News for more on this developing story.

Monday's Update

A suspicious death in Bertie County is now a homicide case.

Sheriff Greg Atkins tells WITN News that investigators believe Jessica Riddick died as the result of two stab wounds to the stomach.

The 19-year-old was found sitting near her wrecked car in a wooded area off Jeff White Road last Thursday night. It appears her car went through a trailer park and into a soy bean field before going into the woods.

The sheriff says they do have a suspect in the murder, but they are not yet in custody.

Original Story

Bertie County deputies are investigating a suspicious death.

Sheriff Greg Atkins tells WITN News that they found the dead teenager's body last night in Merry Hill.

Atkins says the body of Jessica Riddick was found sitting near her wrecked car in a wooded area off Jeff White Road.

The sheriff says, based on the tracks left, that her car went through a trailer park and into a soy bean field before going into the woods.

Right now the sheriff says the 19-year-old's death is being listed as suspicious and an autopsy is being performed on Riddick's body to determine exactly how she died.
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Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Windsor on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I cannot believe how ignorant some people can be. You have the guts to send a message up here and we know who you are stating get over it, its irrelevant for you police officers to send such thing while there while a family is suffering. It’s your job to serve and protect not to kill so of course the community needed you to find the bad guy so that the family would have some closure and so that the citizens of this community would have some relief. Stop thinking about yourselves and worry about your duty which to serve and protect. If you cannot handle your job then go to Bojangles they just opened up. You all need to go back to training but most of all to school because I don't believe an average educated person would had the decency to show the family respect and not be ignorant. You walk around with your head held up carrying your badge but what you forgot to bring is pride, dignity, but most of all respect for yourself and others. Be mindful of what you say.
Posted by: Setting the Record Straight Location: Phila, PA on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:13 AM
From reading all the comments i realize that there are just some stupid people in the world a family a lost a young girl that had a bright future around her and all you could ask is if she was pregnant by him how stupid is that, he was her cousin how could she be pregnant by him. Could u please find something to do with your time instead of being stupid. This is a sad story and a mother is suffering a loss and you had the nerve to post such a dum comment. Some of Bertie County Poeple r just to much. Get a life. RIP Jessica
Posted by: To Curious Location: Bertie County on Jul 18, 2008 at 09:28 AM
"Curious", I'm Curious to why you would ask such a stupid question. This family is greiving and all you have to do with your time is to question something like that. You should spend your time praying for the family instead of being curious about something as stupid as that. Get your priorities in perspective.
Posted by: Curious Location: Bertie County on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I know neither of the parties involved, but I'm curious as to why he would stab her 2x's in the stomach. Was she pregnant by him?
Posted by: Whitney Location: Bertie---->ECU on Jul 17, 2008 at 03:36 PM
It is so sad to see deaths on t.v. or to hear about them around the world, but when it's one of our own it hits harder and is almost unbelievable. To the family..be encouraged. When I lost my 15 year old cousin Sidney I didn't know what I would do. Of course, his death natural..but I can understand the pain you feel as far as losing your loved one. I pray that God allows the murderer to suffer more than he made Jesseboo suffer. We all loved Jessica and she will always be remembered as a Bertie Falcon. This tragedy should remind us that we shouldn't take life for granted and to re-examine our lives to be sure that when God is ready for us..we are ready for him. Rest in Peace boo.
Posted by: Samantha Location: Jacksonville,NC on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Prayers and thoughts are with both families because this murder has two families divided. I pray that God will bring forgivness to the hearts of all involved. Just pray and ask God to Comfort you,and keep you in perfect peace. weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning. trust God.
Posted by: FAM Location: MERRY HILL on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:20 PM
U NO its sad that when you see this on the tv but to see or hear about it in your own neighborhood its even sadder.He took a nice family memeber but god has alot in store for us all.RIP baby girl i love you.
Posted by: shajane Location: bertie on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Jessica, you have and will always be an angel of god. I can't believe some1 would have the nerve to take ur life away, how dare he. But the Lord has another plan for you and your family as well. To Sylvia & family hold your heads up and take it one day at a time because most things happen for a reason. I Love You All and You will forever be in my prayers. R.I.P Jessica
Posted by: Showstopper Location: Rocky Mount on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:34 AM
Death of a loved one is never easy, especially when the victim is so full of potential. Apparently the LORD has a greater plan for her and her work here is done,I know this doesn't make it any easier. To her family have comfort in knowing that her good works have spoken for her with all of the great comments made for her. In the comming days pray one for another and keep lifting up the name of the LORD
Posted by: toya Location: bertie on Jul 16, 2008 at 02:58 AM
jessica will truly be missed. my heart goes out to her family.
Posted by: Pitt County on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I want to ask myself why would someone do this to Jessica. But everything happens for a reason I guess. Justice will be served on her behalf. To Sylvia and the rest of the family and friends stay strong.
Posted by: sharon Location: columbia on Jul 15, 2008 at 06:51 PM
My sympathy go out to the family.Its hard to tell you to be strong when such tradegy happen. I will keep your in my prayer.
Posted by: Ashley on Jul 15, 2008 at 03:54 PM
THANK GOD ... i am so gald that this predator is off the streets ! I didnt know Jessica personally but both of my younger sisters had the opportunity to share classes with her at Bertie . My youngest sister graduated with Jessica . My deepest sympathy goes out to the family .
Posted by: Anne Location: Vanceboro on Jul 15, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I did not know this family,but as a MOTHER,my heart breaks for the family..You will be in my prayers.God Bless you all..
Posted by: Anonomus Location: Williamston on Jul 15, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Sorry for your lost. Deepest sympathy to the family. I did not know Jessica but I can only imagine how the family is feeling at this point but may GOD bless all of you. Stay Strong and Keep Praying!
Posted by: GetOverYourselves Location: Eastern NC on Jul 15, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Hey, sorry to say this... But I bet there is no one complaining about the Bertie County Sheriff's Office now, right?
Posted by: SomeWhere on Jul 15, 2008 at 01:26 PM
You all want them Bertie county Deputies now. I bet you do not have a problem with them now.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Windsor on Jul 15, 2008 at 01:02 PM
My daughter knew Jessica from high school according to her she was a very sweet,funny & loving young lady. My prayers go out to the family. Its got to be hard to lose a loved one & then to find out that a family member is the person responsible. Again I am praying for the family.
Posted by: sparkle Location: bertie county on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I will miss you dearly. My heart can't explain how much you met to it. R.I.P, you are now in a better place. Justice will be served in your case
Posted by: bertie Location: bertie on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
no problem just wanted to let you guys know... keep up the good work
Posted by: bertie Location: bertie on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:49 AM
you have the accused name spelled wrong...

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks. We got it fixed. Hard to hear perfectly over cell phones when speaking with the sheriff this morning.
Posted by: Tammy Location: Williamston on Jul 15, 2008 at 10:43 AM
To Kisha from Merry Hill-Now I see that she was stabbed 2X in the stomach---when I first read this, it never stated that part of the story, either way its a sad occation and like I said in my previous comment--family please stay strong and justice will be served. They are already working on getting to the bottom of this case. It makes you wonder whats goin on in the mind of the cousin that stabbed her--what in the world was he thinking--twice in the stomach and left there--so so pityful
Posted by: DD on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:06 AM
So sad....I didn't know this girl but I did view her myspace page....{thanks to God Bless for sharing her profile info} She was such a beautiful young woman. Her family will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:53 AM
i feel for the family of jessica, i just lost my sister may the 5th, she was the girl from rich square that was murdered, i hate that such a travesty has happened. i just wish people werent so cruel . this is a bad world we live in . to the family be strong it will, help to get you through. we are being very strong and it takes time.
Posted by: Po-Po Location: Local on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:38 AM
From a strong source, I think WITN will have some good information on this case in the near future regarding the motive (rape) after she allegedly picked up someone walking down the highway. BCSO already has someone in mind as they pointed out.
Posted by: Joyce Location: Lewiston on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM
I didn't know this young lady but my niece attended shcool with her. My heart goes out to the family keep your heads up and just remember god has her with him not and he's never wrong. Prayer will solve your problems.
Posted by: Joe Location: Charlotte, NC on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Although God may have take your love one, he will not leave you comfortless. My advice to the family stay prayed up, God loves you dearly and God makes no mistakes. Jessica hase served her purpose down here on earth, she will continue them in HEAVEN. Slyvia and family, you guys are in our thoughts and prayers, love you The Epps/Newbern Family
Posted by: kiera Location: merry on Jul 14, 2008 at 10:44 PM
missed u rest in peace gurl
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I hop they catch the dude reponsible for this tragicdy. it make no since why peoples so mean
Posted by: kisha Location: merry hill on Jul 14, 2008 at 05:38 PM
"tammy from williamston", no one is assuming anything; the child was stabbed twice and I hhave never in my 30 years heard of a car accident having that type of impact.
Posted by: Tammy Location: Williamston on Jul 14, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Did she have any medical problelms that mayve contributed to this accident? How do we know that someone else was involved? Prayerfully it wasnt but we sure need to learn more about this case before assuming that someone else had anything to do with it. I am sorry to hear that yet another young life has been taken from us at such an early age. That proves day after day that we all need to get ourselves together and seek the kingdom of heaven b/c the younger ones are going just as quickly as the older ones--Stay strong family, and hopefully all your answers will be answered soon.
Posted by: Antonio Miller Location: Colerain, NC on Jul 14, 2008 at 12:41 AM
i gonna miss u JESSCIA but i send my prayers 2 da family. We all are sad but we no dat lord give and da lord take it a way bless it be da name of our GOD. RIP I love u and love da family
Posted by: Sade' Location: Colerain on Jul 13, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Man....this is such a tragedy! Im going to miss my dear friend(Jesse Boo). How could somebody just do something like this to an innocent and loving person like her?It seem like yesterday we was little kids running around in the trailer park. Even after that we went thru middle and high school 2gether. All my tears can't bring her back but I'm going to miss her.And can't wait till they find that pathetic person that done this. My prayers go out 2 da family. R.I.P. Jesse Boo. Luv u!
Posted by: hey Location: whats up on Jul 13, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Didn't they take a suspect into custody?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Washington County on Jul 13, 2008 at 10:41 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. Losing someone you love is never easy especially when they are so young. Know that God will take care of you. He will see you through this terrible tragedy. I have traveled Jeff White Rd several times myself. There are some dangerous spots on that road but no more so than many other country roads in the surrounding areas. I pray that the answer to this mystery will be found and if anyone is to blame that justice will be served. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Cassandra D. Location: Ayden,NC on Jul 12, 2008 at 07:34 PM
My heart goes out to the family and many friends. Jessica was my roommate during our freshman year of school. Rest In Peace Jess and you will never be forgotten
Posted by: JANICE Location: AHOSKIE on Jul 12, 2008 at 02:34 PM
TO THE FAMILY BE STRONG GOD IS IN CONTROLL AND HE WON'T PUT NO MORE ON YOU THAN YOU CAN BARE SYLVIA JESSICA IS GOING ON TO A BETTER HOME WHERE EVERY DAY WILL BE GLORY GLORY HALALUYA
Posted by: MyAsia Location: Philadelphia... on Jul 12, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Hey JesseBoo...it's MyAsia from ur Modeling Troupe Vike Nu...WE WERE and WILL ALWAYS BE your second family away from home. I Know it was not your time to go, may God solve this mystery, or those guilty come forth. VIKE NU LOVES YOU...kiss
Posted by: Brittany H. Location: Windsor on Jul 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I went to school for four years with Jessica and she was precious. Always laughing and joking.. this is terrible this has happen but I'll definitely miss you Jessica & the Class of 07 will too. I loveeeeee you.. Rest in Peace baby girl.
Posted by: Buffaloe Family Location: Garner, NC on Jul 12, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Rest In Peace Jessica you will be missed Love The Buffaloe Family
Posted by: The Po-Po Location: Windsor on Jul 12, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Jeff White road is not what causes the accidents. I have seen TONS of accidents over the last 10 Years in Bertie and Hertford County. 90% of our roads in this area are in the same condition that Jeff White Rd. is in. The only reason that it "Seems" worse than others is because of its location in relation to where you grew up (merry hill). It is easy to remember those accidents from years back where other roads in Bertie had far more accidents!
Posted by: Citizen Location: Eastern NC on Jul 12, 2008 at 01:41 AM
My heart and prayers goes out to the family of this young girl. It is always hard to lose a loved one, but when you lose one that stills has their whole life head of them seems to make it harder. I pray that if foul play was involved that justice will be served.
Posted by: McLeods Location: Knightdale, NC on Jul 12, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Our prayers are with your family. Be Blessed. Wealth, Peace and Love From the McLeods.
Posted by: Samantha Location: Greenville on Jul 11, 2008 at 11:39 PM
I lived in Merry Hill my whole life, and I know for a fact that road is dangerous, I hope there was no foul play involved, but even if this turns out to be accident or not, something needs to be done about the road. We've lost too many good friends on that road.
Posted by: Ieshia Riddick Location: bertie on Jul 11, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Words can't even describe the pain that the family and I felt when hearing the news. Jessica was a sweet person.All the time we spent together...I just wish I could of spent more. To Sylvia and family we all have to stay strong in this tragic time.R.I.P Jessica
Posted by: Stacy Location: Colerain on Jul 11, 2008 at 08:47 PM
My thoughts and prayers go's out 2 da family& May god bless the family...RIP JESSICA!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Raleigh, NC on Jul 11, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Jessica you will be missed & may the Lord be with your family.
Posted by: Lance Watford Location: Bertie County on Jul 11, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I'm a friend of the victim (Jessica Riddick), and I would like to give the family my deepest sympathies. In addition, I pray that the person who is responsible comes to justice and that she may rest in peace.
Posted by: Porshia Location: NC on Jul 11, 2008 at 05:56 PM
My prayers goes out to the family & May God bless the family.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: windsor on Jul 11, 2008 at 05:30 PM
May god bless the family of this young lady. Her myspace account is not private, you just have to be logged into myspace to view it. Her "about me" comments seem like she was a wonderful christian girl. So tragic. I hope they find out the cause of this accident.
Posted by: Former Bertie Resident Location: Wake Co on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:33 PM
This is a terrible thing that has happen to Jessica. I have known her mom for years. I just want her to know that God puts not more on you than you can bare. I know it is very very hard and will be for sometime afterwards. I will be praying for you and your family. Be blessed Ms Riddick. I know she was a good girl and she will truly be missed.
Posted by: Bertie Resident Location: Bertie County on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I knew Jessica Riddick personally and she was such a great person. I am sad it happened to her and I Know she is in a better place with God. I will continue to pray for the family. R.I.P. Jessica u will be missed.
Posted by: monica Location: middletown,ct on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:11 PM
to the family..."look to the hills from whence cometh your strength."
Posted by: Wendy Location: Fayetteville on Jul 11, 2008 at 02:41 PM
God's strength is always available and He cares for you and understands your broken heart. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenharted and binds up their wounds. Praying for you and your family
Posted by: God bless.. on Jul 11, 2008 at 01:57 PM
God Bless... may the family have answers soon. Her myspace is private but the address is: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=88486033
Posted by: toya Location: merry hill on Jul 11, 2008 at 01:18 PM
may god be with the riddick family. rip. what a tradegy...
Posted by: resident Location: bertie co on Jul 11, 2008 at 12:29 PM
This is terrrible... I will be glad when Bertie Co gets off the news
Posted by: Unknown Location: Colerain on Jul 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
My prayers are with the family of Jessica Riddick. God has it all in controll. Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Posted by: Derek Askew Location: kelford NC on Jul 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Jessica Baby girl i know it's more to it than what they saying girl.....I'm miss u so much....they need to find out what really happened J....omg this is to much to bare

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