HERTFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) – Deputies have arrested three teenagers in connection with the murder of a beloved business owner.
Franklin Jones, 18, Bobby Askew, 19, and Nicholas Cooper, 19 were taken into custody early Sunday morning, according to Sheriff Dexter Hayes.
Investigators found 59-year-old Uday Manik, of Conway, shot several times in the driver’s seat of his car, last Thursday. The shooting happened about five miles from the Sunoco gas station and food mart in Aulander, which Manik owned and operated.
According to Hayes, investigators received multiple tips about the suspects’ involvement with the murder. Investigators were able to obtained arrest warrants around 1:30 a.m.
Extra deputies from the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office helped Hertford County deputies so they could make the arrests at same time to avoid anyone escaping.
All three suspects were arrested in different locations. Jones was arrested at his home in Hertford County, Askew was arrested in Murfreesboro and Cooper arrested in Bertie County.
Investigators believe Manik was targeted by the suspects for his cash after he left his business.
All three suspects are locked up at the Hertford County Detention Center on no bond on charges of felony murder.
They will make their first court appearance on October 4.
