In a statement released this morning Tripp said, “The Halifax County Sheriff's Office, surrounding county sheriff's offices, the Enfield Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, federal agents of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms continue to work leads in the Harris-Whitley cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering assistance.”

Said Tripp: “I can assure everyone, that as sheriff, I am contacting and utilizing all available resources in working these cases. The reward being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person (or persons) responsible for the killing of these four innocent people stands in excess of $50,000. This case is top priority. The Halifax County Sheriff's Office will not rest until (a) suspect (or suspects) are in custody.”

The sheriff also offered “prayers for the family, friends and all affected by these heinous and atrocious acts.”

Tripp declined this morning to release any new details on the case other than what was shared in Governor Roy Cooper’s recent proclamation offering a reward in the murders of James and Janice Harris and James and Peggy Whitley, which were discovered on August 21 by a family member.

The proclamation says the four were shot through a glass door while they sat playing cards at the dining room table at the Harris residence. All the victims died at the table after they were shot multiple times in an apparent home invasion, the proclamation says.

Tripp also declined to say whether three people arrested in a drive-by shooting in the vicinity of the Harris residence are considered suspects, persons or interest or may have information on the case.