On November 23, 2023, at approximately 4:54 p.m., Pitt County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual at 1407 Rick Circle in Greenville, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 41-year-old Jessica Bentacourt Riggs, who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities promptly ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators identified Ms. Riggs' live-in boyfriend, 35-year-old James Stewart Purvis Jr., as a person of interest.
Witnesses reported seeing Purvis leaving the residence around the time of the incident, driving a dark-colored Ford Explorer. Subsequently, Raleigh Police located the vehicle near a bus station in Raleigh. Purvis was initially wanted on a felony warrant for larceny of a motor vehicle and was listed in the National Crime Information Center database as a wanted person.
On November 27, 2023, Raleigh Police apprehended Purvis on the outstanding larceny warrant. Following his arrest, detectives transported him back to Pitt County, where he faced an additional charge of murder based on evidence gathered during the investigation. Purvis is currently held in the Pitt County Detention Center without bond.
Ms. Riggs is remembered by her family, including her husband, children, siblings, and father-in-law. Her passing has deeply affected the Greenville community, leaving many mourning the loss of a cherished individual.
