On Thursday, June 15, 2023, deputies conducting a welfare check at 1621 NC Highway 27 West, a property just outside Benson, found 69-year-old James Dwight Peacock deceased inside his home. Known to many as Dwight, Peacock had sustained a single fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Investigators described the scene as disturbed: a ransacked dresser, several rounds of .38 caliber ammunition on the floor, and an empty money clip with an undisclosed amount of cash missing.

Detectives learned of a history of conflict between Peacock and his former stepson, 25-year-old Wesley Alexander Jones, including a 2018 incident in which Peacock fired a weapon when Jones refused to leave the property and alleged break-ins in 2021 and 2023. Jones was located and arrested on June 22 with assistance from other counties and booked into the Johnston County Jail on a murder charge, held without bond. Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing and did not release a motive.

A public viewing and funeral were held at Western Assembly Disciples of Christ Church in Newton Grove. If anyone knew James Peacock or has information about his death, please come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.