Suspect's motive for allegedly killing two family members unclear to Alamance County investigators
The investigation is ongoing.
The investigation is ongoing.
The investigation is ongoing.
The man accused of killing two family members in Alamance County remains in jail without bond after his first court appearance Wednesday.
Justin Lynn Ramirez, 31, faces charges for allegedly killing Jerry Williamson and Williamson's grandson, Steve Somers.
Deputies said when they went to an area at Payne Road and Dawnwood Drive near Saxapahaw in Alamance County around 10:20 p.m. they found two people dead of gunshot wounds.
Williamson was found dead lying in a field near his home. His grandson was found in a building nearby on the property. Both victims were shot in the head with a high-powered rifle.
Deputies said Ramirez was a fugitive on the run from the Haw River Police Department. He had outstanding warrants for breaking and entering and larceny in Haw River. Investigators said he was staying with Somers.
Sometime during the day Monday, Ramirez and Somers were shooting toward Williamson’s house when Williamson walked down to where they were and asked them to stop because it was upsetting his dogs.
Sometime later, Williamson went down to check on Ramirez and never was seen alive again. Family became worried and went to check on Williamson and that’s how he was found dead in a field. Somers was found shortly after.
Deputies said after Ramirez killed the two, he stole Williamson’s pickup truck and tried to escape but was picked up by the Asheboro Police Department and then taken to the Alamance County jail. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and felony larceny of motor vehicle.
Investigators said Ramirez and Somers were supposedly friends but what led to the murders is still unknown.
"At this point we are still studying what the motives would be," Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson said. "I could tell you, with talking with family members of the suspect there was drugs involved in this young man's life. And in talking with the other family Mr. Somers he had been put out of the house because of behavior and that's why they were living next door."
Prior to his arrest, Ramirez was on the run for nearly six hours.
"Mr. Ramirez is armed and dangerous," a press release said. "He is believed to be driving a stolen 1996 Dodge pickup with NC registration YC-7394. The truck is primer in color on the front and top. The truck is beige in color with a single brown stripe down the side."
The investigation is ongoing.
Ramirez is expected in court on Dec. 6.
To watch the Sheriff's Office give an update on the incident, click here.