This video is no longer available.
ALBEMARLE, NC — Surveillance pictures are credited with leading police to 45-year-old Ryan Efird. Β Investigators believe Efird shot and killed 81-year-old Eldridge Roger Gibson during a robbery at B&G Coin on October 31st.
They say he took off in Gibson’s truck.
“People was in fear, something like that happening just so close. A real tragedy,” says Albemarle resident Richard Huneycutt. Β Huneycutt, a friend and nearby business owner, says people in the neighborhood off West Main Street are relieved.
“I’m sure the community feels a lot safer,” he says.
Police say they had been tracking Efird for about two weeks until they caught up with him, right outside Albemarle, along St. Martin Road. Β Police Chief William Halliburton says surveillance pictures enhanced by the State Bureau of Investigations played a big role.
“Gave us even more people saying ‘that’s who we think it is,’ and that really is what broke this case,” he says. Β Investigators also executed search warrants at Efird’s home and his fiance’s apartment. Β We knocked on her door… but the woman who answered said she wasn’t home. Β Efrid has a criminal record including several breaking & enterings. Β He got out of jail earlier this year.
According to warrants… associates told police Efrid made the plan to rob the coin shop and kill its owner years ago.
