On the night of June 16, 2021, Brandon Wade Bryarley, a 33-year-old male from Staley, North Carolina, was found dead in New Hill, North Carolina. Bryarley, who was Caucasian, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The incident occurred in the 3300 block of Christian Chapel Church Road, where deputies responded to a trespassing call.
James Edward Fox, a 47-year-old male from Apex, North Carolina, was identified as the suspect in the shooting.
Fox, who is also Caucasian, told investigators that he had an ongoing issue with strangers riding vehicles on his property. On the night of the incident, Bryarley was reportedly riding a motorcycle on Fox's land, leading to an altercation between the two men. Fox claimed that he shot Bryarley following this altercation.
Fox was charged with felony murder and was taken into custody at the Chatham County Detention Center without bond. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have collected evidence and spoken with additional witnesses regarding the incident. Fox was scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 19, 2021.
Bryarley was remembered by his co-workers at D.H. Griffin as a father of three and a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed making people laugh. He was engaged to be married and also had a passion for hunting and fishing. A graveside service was planned for him at Fairview Cemetery in Liberty.
