John Paul Buck Harrison, a 45-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically died on November 12, 2016, in Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend, known for his deep love for his family and his role as a custodian at Tri-County Industries. Harrison was born on July 19, 1971, in Bronx, NY, and later moved to North Carolina.
Harrison's death was initially reported as a suicide, but further investigation revealed it was a homicide.
Two men, Demonte Saquon Johnson and Patrick Lequan Banks, both from Roanoke Rapids, were charged in connection with his death. Johnson faced a second-degree murder charge, while Banks was charged with felony obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact. The investigation uncovered critical evidence that contradicted the initial suicide report, leading to the arrests.
The case drew significant attention in Roanoke Rapids, with law enforcement conducting extensive searches and interviews to gather evidence. Despite the charges, neither Johnson nor Banks had been taken into custody at the time of the reports. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.
Harrison's family and friends continue to honor his memory, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations in cases of unexpected deaths.
