Son of Victims Holds Triple Murder Suspect at Gunpoint Until Deputies Arrive

Son of Victims Holds Triple Murder Suspect at Gunpoint Until Deputies Arrive

David Lever, 55, is accused of a deadly shooting spree in North Carolina that claimed the lives of an elderly couple and a retired professor. The son of two victims — Anthony Gribble, 80, and Paula Gribble, 76 — managed to detain Lever at gunpoint until deputies arrived, preventing further bloodshed, according to Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance.

Prevented More Tragedy

“There could have been additional victims had the family member not intervened,” Sheriff Dance emphasized during a press briefing.

Large Cache of Weapons Found

A search of Lever's home revealed over 50 firearms, while more were discovered in his van. Authorities believe Lever used the van to carry out shootings at four different locations around Greenville, southeast of Raleigh, on Friday.

Timeline of Events

1. First Victim Identified
   Enrique Reyes, 64, a retired university biology professor, was the first victim. His body was discovered at his home west of Greenville after a 911 call reported a man lying in a driveway around 3:35 p.m. Surveillance footage showed Lever moving near his home shortly after Reyes returned from a grocery store.

2. Shots Fired from the Van
   At 1:44 p.m., Lever was seen leaving a gas station, firing shots from his van as he drove away. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.

3. Double Homicide
   At 2:17 p.m., less than 2.5 miles away, Lever allegedly shot and killed Anthony and Paula Gribble in their home. Their son, who discovered the crime, detained Lever at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

4. Fourth Shooting Incident
   At 2:50 p.m., deputies responded to a nearby house that had been shot into. Thankfully, no one was home at the time. Investigators believe Lever is also responsible for this incident.

Suspect's Arrest and Court Appearance

Lever was taken into custody without resistance and has been charged with three counts of murder. During his initial court appearance, he insulted the district court judge and was ordered held without bond. A public defender has been assigned to his case.

Unclear Motive

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shootings and any potential connections between Lever and the victims.

This tragic series of events highlights the bravery of the victims’ son, whose swift action likely saved lives.