A North Carolina real estate agent is currently under investigation for a series of murders, despite having no apparent connection to the victims. David Lever, 55, is facing three murder charges, with the possibility of additional charges being filed. The crimes occurred in multiple locations in Greenville, a town located about 85 miles west of Raleigh, as reported by Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance.
The series of events unfolded on a Friday afternoon when the first victim, 64-year-old Enrique Reyes, was found dead after returning home from grocery shopping. Surveillance footage showed Lever, who lived a few houses away, walking to and from Reyes’ home. Sheriff Dance confirmed that the two men had no known relationship beyond living on the same street.
Following this, Lever was spotted driving to a local gas station. After leaving the station, he allegedly began firing shots from his vehicle. Although no one was injured, a 911 call was made, alerting authorities to the situation. Lever then reportedly drove to a residence on Peace Ridge Court, about four miles from his home, and knocked on the door. The residents did not answer, but noticed an unfamiliar man backing out of their driveway.
Lever then went to the home of Anthony Gribble, 80, and his wife, Paula Gribble, 76, who lived on the same street. He is accused of shooting and killing the couple. Authorities are still trying to determine if there was any connection between Lever and the Gribbles.
The Gribbles’ son, who was nearby, rushed to the scene and managed to hold Lever at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody. Around 3:35 p.m., a passerby called 911 after spotting Reyes’ body in his driveway. Officers already at Lever’s home responded to the call and found Reyes dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
A search of Lever’s home yielded at least 50 handguns and rifles, along with additional loaded firearms and ammunition in his van. Sheriff Dance stated that the investigation, which spans multiple crime scenes, will take a significant amount of time, particularly in establishing a motive for Lever’s actions.
Authorities believe that if Lever had not been apprehended at the Gribbles’ home, he would have continued his violent spree. Lever’s behavior reportedly continued to be erratic during his first court appearance on Monday, where he insulted the presiding judge. Despite his recent actions, Lever was previously known as a respected member of the community and a partner at Lever & Russel Real Estate LLC in Greenville. Lever is currently being held without bond at the Pitt County Detention Center.