Kearney was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the death Friday of Roanoke Rapids psychologist Nancy Alford following a home invasion and fire set at her Lake Gaston home. Kevin Munn was also charged in the case.

Kearney was charged in the 2011 murder of Antonio Mills on Ward Drive. Also charged with murder in that case was Brandon Watson.

In 2013 Watson was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years for the murder which occurred outside Roanoke Rapids.

Kearney faced charges of first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into occupied property, possession of weapon by felon, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious in the Ward Drive murder. Those charges were dismissed in exchange for the obstruction plea.

In a December 2012 motion to compel contained in the case file, Kearney’s attorney, Don Carter of Greensboro, wrote of his client, “The defendant was not the shooter and that the deceased, Antonio Mills, told his grandfather, that Brandon was the individual that shot him.”

Carter’s motion also noted the state provided a letter from Ian Coles in which Coles wrote Brandon Watson “told him that the defendant was not involved in the killing of Antonio Mills and was unaware of what Brandon was going to do.”

Wrote Carter: “The defendant consistently stated there was only one gun used and that the defendant never had a weapon.”

In October of 2013 Kearney pled guilty to one count of obstruction of justice in the case by hindering the murder investigation. That was done in court, which was held by former Halifax County District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey, who no longer works in the county.

The obstruction count reflects Kearney misled investigators as to his presence at the crime scene and that he attempted to destroy evidence.

Currently Kearney and Munn are charged with first-degree murder in the Alford case. Other charges are expected to be filed, Warren County District Attorney Mike Waters said at a press briefing Wednesday.

They are expected to make their Warren County District Court appearance on March 21, according to state court records.

The DA said the home invasion of the Alford residence in Lake Gaston was not considered a random crime and the alleged suspects had knowledge of Mrs. Alford and her husband, John, who is recovering from injuries he sustained in the house fire following the home invasion.

Meanwhile, a report in the Waynesville-based Mountaineer clarifies the circumstances under which the Alford’s vehicle was recovered in Haywood County.

The paper reported the search for the two men reached Haywood County Sunday night, leading to a high-speed chase, and ultimately an escape.

The 2011 Mercedes was spotted in the Crabtree area, not far from the Interstate 40 corridor.

The erratic  driving prompted several residents to call 911. Witnesses said that after about 30 minutes, sheriff's deputies came out sirens and lights blazing, found the car, and a chase ensued, which eventually drew a response from the state Highway Patrol.

The paper quoted Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher as saying he was glad the men were apprehended.

“This horrific crime has touched the hearts of many people, and the pursuit of those responsible called for teamwork from various first responding agencies," he said. "In a situation that is incredibly sensitive in nature and rapidly changing, every piece of information that can be shared matters. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and communities affected by this tragedy.”