ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. (WNCT) — The Atlantic Beach Police Department continues to investigate the murder of a 65-year-old man that happened early on Aug. 29.

Officers responded to a report of a possible assault at the 300 block of West Atlantic Boulevard at 5:45 a.m., according to a press release. They found Randal J. Miller of Apex laying in the driveway with what was later determined to be a single stab wound on the left side of his chest. He later died from his injuries at Carteret Health Care.

Officers are looking for three suspects described in the press release as “Black males of medium height, medium to stocky build, wearing dark colored pants, and gray to dark colored hoodies with face coverings such as bandanas or “COVID” style face masks.”

Atlantic Beach Police Chief Jeff Harvey said they are working closely with multiple other entities to get answers about what happened. It’s the first murder in over a decade and only the third one reportedly ever discovered.

“This is a relatively safe town. This is not the normal for Atlantic Beach,” Harvey said.

The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office had a 10 a.m. Thursday press conference to discuss this and other recent crimes going on in the area.

On Aug. 31 in a Facebook post, officials said they have “received significant information that is proving useful in our investigation.”

The suspects were driving a late-model gray or silver four-door sedan, police said.

“There’s three people that know what happened,” Harvey said. “And inevitably somebody’s going to speak, and we need them. You know, hopefully, they have the correct morals. And they contact us so that we can you know, bring this to a conclusion.”

Since the homicide, neighbors said they’ve been made more aware of their surroundings and many are working to install more security. The tragedy happened not far from The Circle, a popular spot for tourists.

“Is very concerning that something that devastating would have happened so close to our shop,” said Patricia Davis, owner of Davis Beachwear. “So we would love for there to be more surveillance here. We have cameras in the shop as well. But we certainly would be a lot more cautious about customers coming in.”

Locals hope to get some answers so they can feel safe in the town again.

“We’re looking for some closure,” Davis said. “We’re looking for some sort of lead in this to break it open so that we can at least feel a little more comfort in knowing that whoever that person or persons were was will be you know, brought justice.”

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Atlantic Beach Police Department at 252-726-2523 or tips can be submitted anonymously by clicking here.