“The sheriff's office has no reason to believe the victim was the intended target of the gang-style shooting, but rather a victim of circumstance,” he said in a statement.

Asked to elaborate on what the beef is between the two gangs, which he has said are from Rocky Mount and Enfield, the sheriff said, “I can't get into that. That will come out in trial.”

He declined to say whether the shooting that led to Cambridge's death was a shootout. “I'll stick with what I've said that he was a victim of circumstance. Our thoughts and prayers go to all involved, especially to Jarshamel Cambridge's family.”

Four people have outstanding warrants for their arrest in the murder. They are believed to either frequent the Enfield and Rocky Mount areas or may have left the area, the sheriff has said.

There are no other warrants to be obtained in the case, Tripp said, “Unless we find people who are assisting those at large if we can prove abetting in avoiding apprehension.”

The murder, Tripp said in the statement, bolsters the need for a gang officer and “task force to further combat the growing gang problem within Halifax County.”

Tripp has already designated Detective Obert Wiltsie to head the task force and is currently awaiting on funds from the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission Task Force to put him to work. “Gang members have no concern for the welfare and safety of the public, nor do they bother to check who is with a rival gang when they begin shooting as is evident with the death of Jarshamel Cambridge,” Tripp said in the statement.

Other agencies will work together to combat the gang problem within Halifax County, Tripp said.