An 18-year-old suspect, Tray'vian Brown of Dunn, has been charged with the murder of Emmanuel Gbedee, a 57-year-old Durham man and Uber driver, whose body was found with a gunshot wound in the backseat of his car in Johnston County on Sunday, according to a CBS 17 report. Brown, who is also accused of robbery with a dangerous weapon, stood handcuffed before a judge for his first court appearance. A subsequent court date has been set for February 6, as family members, still reeling from the loss, looked on.
The Johnston County Sheriff's Office carried out a search warrant the day before Brown's arrest at a mobile home on Denn Field Lane in the Meadow Community and the suspect was apprehended and charged with Gbedee's murder. Having no known association with the victim before the incident, the motive for the shooting remains unclear, according to ABC11. Gbedee's family, who last saw him just a few hours before he was discovered more than 70 miles from his home, have expressed both devastation and gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement. Emmanuel Gbedee Jr. told ABC11, "Our hearts are still heavy, but there's some relief to know that someone has been identified... I want to give a huge thank you to ... Johnson County, the detectives, the medical examiner's autopsy, folks like they've been working tirelessly day and night to... clarity to this case."
An Uber spokesperson conveyed condolences, confirming that the rider's account associated with this incident has been banned and the company is offering support to the investigation. Authorities said Gbedee had picked up Brown in the Benson area, and the driver was found deceased a short distance from where he had picked up the suspect, as CBS 17 detailed. Uber further stated, "Our hearts are heavy for Mr. Gbedee’s family and loved ones as they grapple with this unthinkable loss. We banned the rider’s account and are supporting law enforcement with their investigation as they work to bring those responsible to justice."
Despite the profound loss, the Gbedee family intends to continue with plans to celebrate Emmanuel's 30th anniversary with his wife. Now as a way to honor his memory, which has been profoundly challenging for the family who were originally looking forward to a celebration but now they're planning for something that is devastating, said Gbedee's son according to a WRAL News interview. Emmanuel Gbedee Jr. reflected on his father's life, noting that his father saw the best in everyone but emphasized safety. Never imagining the tragic outcome of picking up Brown, "I can’t even think that that even crossed his mind when he picked up that young man," he told WRAL News, adding a hopeful note, "There is so much life that is ahead of an 18-year-old, and this did not have to be your story." Brown remains held at the Johnston County detention center without bond.
