Greenville, North Carolina – A heroic act of bravery by the son of two murder victims may have prevented further tragedy, according to Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance. The son reportedly held the alleged shooter, 55-year-old David Lever, at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived at the scene. Dance expressed gratitude for the son’s actions, believing they could have saved more lives.
Lever, a resident of Greenville, North Carolina, made his first court appearance following the shooting deaths of Enrique Reyes, 64, and the husband-and-wife victims Anthony Gribble, 80, and Paula Gribble, 76 on January 10. The victims were all shot in their homes, prompting Dance to offer condolences to their families and friends.
During Lever’s court proceedings, he reportedly directed profanity towards the judge, which was met with no response. Lever is facing three counts of murder and is currently being held without bond. He has been provided a capital defender, with his next court date scheduled for January 29.
As authorities investigated the case, it was revealed that Lever possessed a substantial arsenal of at least 50 weapons found in his home and van, along with ammunition. Additionally, a timeline of events detailed Lever’s suspected activities on the day of the shootings, showing a series of alarming incidents.
The timeline revealed that Lever had confrontations at multiple locations, leading to tragic outcomes. The son of the Gribbles played a crucial role in preventing further violence by apprehending Lever at gunpoint. Lever’s prior interactions with law enforcement raised concerns about his mental state and history of violence.
Further investigation uncovered Lever’s connection to the victims, as he had previously served as their real estate agent. The warrants also indicated Lever’s troubling behavior and substance abuse issues, shedding light on the complex circumstances surrounding the case.
Despite the tragic events, the swift actions of the Gribbles’ son and law enforcement prevented a potentially larger-scale tragedy. Lever’s arrest and the ongoing investigation highlight the importance of community vigilance and swift responses to potentially dangerous situations.