Leland Police search for murder suspect

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Leland Police are searching for a man they say shot and killed another man early this morning.

James Ketchum, 44, is wanted for the murder of Jason Anderson, 33.

“Officers responded, and once they responded and got to the address they discovered a deceased person,” Leland Police spokesman Lt. Joseph Pierce said.

Neighbors did not want to talk to us on camera, but say this is generally a quiet community.

Anderson and Ketchum both have had run-ins with the law before.

According to the Department of Corrections website, Anderson served more than four years in prison for accessory after the fact to a 1999 murder. Since his release, Anderson has racked up a number of charges including assault on a female, forgery and larceny.

James Ketchum was convicted in 2012 in New Hanover County for assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a female. Records show Ketchum was convicted in 1991 in Halifax County on charges of kidnapping, larceny and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Lt. Pierce says Ketchum is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on where Ketchum may be is asked to contact Leland Police Department at (910) 371-1100 or your local law enforcement agency.