Man accused of killing three people in Pitt County remains at state mental hospital

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A man accused of killing three people earlier this year in Pitt County is at a state mental hospital being evaluated.

David Lever was not at this morning’s status hearing, which took place at the Pitt County jail.

The 55-year-old Pitt County man is accused of the January 10th murders of Eric Reyes, who was found shot in the driveway of his Forest Acres Drive home, as well as Anthony and Paula Gribble.

The Gribbles were killed at their Peace Court home, shortly after Reyes was gunned down, according to deputies.

Autopsies released this summer said all three victims were shot multiple times.

Court documents say Lever admitted shooting the Gribbles to their son, who held the man at gunpoint until deputies arrived.

An attorney for Lever told WITN they are still waiting to see if the man is fit to stand trial. During the last hearing in October, prosecutors told the judge they planned to seek the death penalty against Lever.

The next hearing for the triple murder suspect has been set for March 6th.

While there have been people placed on death row, North Carolina hasn’t put anyone to death since 2006 due to legal challenges.