As of the last report Wednesday, the fund was at $13,000. As of this morning, Sheriff Wes Tripp reported, it is at $30,000.

The money represents the donations of several people, Tripp said. “This is just another example of how our community comes together to help each other.”

Tripp said he is still awaiting word from the governor’s office on a reward. The governor’s office typically grants rewards in the amount of $5,000.

(For those who want to contribute to the reward fund established by private citizens, family and friends they may do by making checks payable to Halifax County Crimestoppers, PO Box 123, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 with the memo Whitley-Harris case.The sheriff should also be notified by sending him an inbox message or texting or calling him at 252-578-6761)

Tripp today still declined to answer questions on the specifics of the ongoing investigation into the shooting deaths of James and Janice Harris and James and Peggy Whitley.

The crime was discovered after a family member of the Harris’s, the host couple, went to the residence for a welfare check.

He specifically declined to comment on whether it is possible the person or persons responsible were familiar with the Harris’s, who were hosting the Whitley’s for a friendly game of cards.

He also declined comment on whether the fact multiple agencies were assisting in the investigation means there is belief the person or persons responsible could be from one of those areas.

The case has been under investigation since 9:30 Monday morning, Tripp said. “We’ve been working day and night since Monday around 9:30, including the agencies that are helping us.”

He said of the assistance, “Words cannot express how humbled I feel. When we have good relationships with neighboring agencies, it helps tremendously and they know I will be there to help them.”