Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the State is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of James Arthur Smith in Benson, North Carolina.

During the early morning hours of December 22, 2014, James Arthur Smith, 51, was shot and killed by an unknown assailant or assailants in the roadway of the Coats Circle Apartment Complex in Benson, North Carolina. Smith briefly survived the initial shooting, but died before EMS crews and law enforcement arrived at the scene. 

Anyone having information concerning this case should contact the Benson Police Department at (919) 894-2091 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.