Durham police seek suspect in killing of car dealer
Published: Sat, May. 20, 2006 03:23PM
Modified Sat, May. 20, 2006 03:25PM
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closePolice have identified the man they think killed and robbed a Durham car dealer last week.
Investigators are searching for Robert. R. Watson, 34, who was last known to live at 9813 Wilkins Road in the northern Durham County community of Bahama.
Police think Watson killed James P. Morris, the 77-year-old owner of the Growing Motors used car lot who was found beaten to death inside the company’s office the morning of May 12. Morris was last known to be alive at 6 p.m. May 11.
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It’s unknown whether Watson, who is considered armed and “extremely dangerous,” knew Morris, said Durham police Sgt. Jack Cates.
When Morris’ body was discovered, an employee also noted a white 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado was missing. Police found the vehicle Wednesday in Bahama, but would not specify where.
The discovery of the car was a key clue in identifying Watson, Cates said Saturday. He would not say whether the killing was the work of more than one person.
Investigators obtained warrants for Watson on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in Morris’ death.
In addition to running the business in Durham, Morris hosted a Christian radio show every Sunday in Raleigh for more than 20 years.
Police ask anyone with information about Morris’ death to call CrimeStoppers at 683-1200.
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