Theresa Jones, 41, is charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in the death of Donald Wimbrow, 79. In court Wednesday, Jones said she wanted to decline to have a court-appointed attorney with her.
Wimbrow was last seen Monday around 8 p.m., when he got gas for his van at Rose Mart near Norlina. Someone spotted his abandoned van at 9 p.m. Monday.
After a search, Wimbrow was found dead under a trailer Tuesday morning. Authorities said the body was wrapped in bedsheets.
Wimbrow, who sells cleaning supplies from his van, is a well-known businessman in the area.
Investigators said that Wimbrow might have been targeted for a robbery because he is known to carry large sums of money around in his van for his business.
His family said he had been robbed in the past, but they were shocked by his death.
"We can face this -- daddy's in heaven," said Bunny Macon, Wimbrow's daughter. "But the agony of how he got there is going to be haunting for a very long time."
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for March 30. Sheriff Johnny Williams said more people could soon be arrested in connection with Wimbrow's murder.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
