Pender Co. Sheriff’s Office: Death of child appears to be ‘isolated’ incident

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s been more than three weeks since a Pender County child died after allegedly being sexually assaulted and strangled.

Since then, her family and the community have raised questions about the investigation.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into the death of 5-year-old Paitin Fields is very active and became a homicide investigation early in the investigative process.

On November 11, the child was taken to Pender Memorial Hospital. According to the incident report, she was found just before 5:45 a.m. at her home on Black Water Drive. She died two days later.

According to a news release from Capt. James Rowell, the sheriff’s office has detectives dedicated solely to this investigation and are actively working this case.

“We want to be able to determine the truth surrounding Paitin’s death, while protecting the integrity of our investigation in a manner that will allow the correct individual(s) to face charges and ultimately be convicted for the crimes they have committed,” Rowell said in the news release. “We understand there are many different opinions circulating in our community as to why more information has not been released concerning this investigation. Our detectives have remained in contact with Paitin’s immediate family and will continue to communicate with them concerning the investigation.”

Rowell says when the investigation is at a point that further information can be shared with the community, they will.

At this point, Rowell says there is nothing to indicate that any other member of the community may be in jeopardy as this appears to be an isolated incident.

If you know anything, call the Pender County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 259-1212.