Fourth arrest made in Beaufort County 2024 death by distribution case

BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Deputies say a fourth person accused in a 2024 death by distribution case has been taken into custody.

On December 16, 39-year-old Justin Whitmer was charged with death by distribution and second-degree murder. The Virginia native is being held without bond.

Back in June 2024, Beaufort County deputies responded to Hodges Road, west of Chocowinity, for a report of an unresponsive woman.

Upon arrival, deputies say they gave medical aid to the victim, identified as Jacquelin Hodges, until EMS arrived, but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Following an investigation, a grand jury issued indictments to four people in April 2025 in connection to Hodges’ death.

On April 21, 42-year-old Brandy Kinion was charged with involuntary manslaughter and accessory after the fact. The Chocowinity native was taken to jail on a $250,000 secured bond.

That same day, 42-year-old Eric Wiggins was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. The Chocowinity native is being held on a $250,000 secured bond.

On May 13, 32-year-old Layla Hoffman was charged with death by distribution and second-degree murder. The Chocowinity native was taken to jail on a $1,000,000 secured bond.