Registered Sex Offender Charged With Rowan County Woman’s Murder

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators made an arrest in what they call a ‘brutal’ murder in Rowan County.  Shelia Godfrey, 53, was found dead on Lyerly Pond Road off Faith Road in Rowan County last week.

Detectives say they arrested 50-year-old Donald Frye overnight and charged him with first degree murder and robbery in the case.  Frye is a registered sex offender.  Investigators say Frye and Godfrey knew each other and that this was not a random act of violence.

Authorities say Frye took Godfrey’s white 1987 Chevrolet S10 Blazer and financial cards.  He was  the man seen in surveillance pictures sent out by authorities last week, according to a news release.  Frye was reportedly identified with the help of the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Chad Moose 704-216-8687 or Rowan County communications 704-216-8500.