2 arrested after Chatham woman was found on highway now charged with 1st-degree murder

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has now charged two people with first-degree murder after arresting them Tuesday in connection with the death of a woman found Monday on N.C. 902.

Deputies responded around 2:40 a.m. to an unconscious person reported on the road in the 7700 block of the highway, which connects rural southwest Chatham with the county seat of Pittsboro.

The woman, identified as 33-year-old Michelle Nichole Jenks of Siler City, was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where she was later pronounced dead, according to a news release.

Investigators charged Terrie Fields, 39, and Corey Rives, 37, both of Bear Creek in southwest Chatham County.

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Fields is charged with four felonies: second-degree murder, kidnapping, felony possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of methamphetamine, according to news releases. She also is charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, a release said.

Rives also is charged with first-degree murder and three other felonies: accessory after the fact, possession of methamphetamine, and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance, a report said. He also is charged with misdemeanor simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance, carrying a concealed gun, and possession of marijuana up to half an ounce.

Both suspects are being held without bond in the Chatham County Detention Center and are scheduled to appear in court Jan. 29.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and asks anyone who may have information about the case to call 919-542-2911.

Staff writer Tammy Grubb contributed to this report.

This story was originally published January 9, 2024 at 4:51 PM.