Columbus County detectives recover murder weapon

COLUMBUS COUNTY — Columbus County detectives believe they have recovered the murder weapon from a shooting earlier this month.

Investigators say the rifle used to kill Rodney Simms was found in the Lumber River about 20 miles from the crime scene.

Simms and a passenger were shot while driving just outside of Whiteville. The passenger survived; Simms died at the hospital.

The sheriff says an anonymous tip led to the murder weapon.

No arrests have been made.