LENOIR COUNTY, NC — The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest in connection with a homicide that occurred more than a year ago.
According to authorities, deputies responded on Oct. 21, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m. to the 3800 block of Pecan Grove Circle following a report of a suspicious death. Deputies secured the scene, and the Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division took over the case.
Investigators spent months following numerous leads and dedicating extensive time to locating, collecting and testing evidence. The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Goldsboro Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support of the assisting agencies.
As a result of the investigation, Joshua Gray, 24, of Goldsboro, was arrested on Dec. 9, 2025, in connection with the murder of Xavier Branch. Gray was taken into custody at the Greene County Jail, where he was already being held on an unrelated charge.
Gray has been charged with:
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First-degree murder
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Breaking and entering with intent to terrorize or injure
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Felony larceny
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Larceny of a firearm
Authorities said Gray was held without bond at the time of his arrest and during his first court appearance.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue working to exhaust all remaining leads.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 252-559-6140. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.
