Second suspect arrested in 2018 Craven County cold case

NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — A second suspect has been arrested in the 2018 homicide of a Craven County man.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office posted to its Facebook page that on Tuesday, they arrested Robert Gonnie Simmons Jr., 45, of 5455 N.C. Hwy 55 West in New Bern. He has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact in the death of Leon Deondre Carmen. Simmons was being held under a $250,000 secured bond in the Craven County Detention Facility.

Officials said on July 26, 2018, Carmen was reported missing by his family. His vehicle was found on July 27, 2018, parked on the side of Woodrow McCoy Road in western Craven County. Carmon’s body was found in the rear of the vehicle. An autopsy determined he died as a result of a gunshot wound.

On April 30, Gerard Alexander Brimmer Jr., 28, of 5455 N.C. Hwy 55 West in New Bern was arrested and charged with an open count of murder in the death of Carmen. Brimmer was being held without bond in the Craven County Detention Facility.

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