Man sentenced to life in prison for 2021 stabbing death in New Hanover County
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after a jury found him guilty in the 2021 stabbing death of an elderly man.
On Wednesday, a jury found Gary Frink Sikes III, 23, guilty of first-degree murder under theories of premeditation and felony murder. Judge Henry Stevens IV sentenced Sikes to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The charges stem from the death of 84-year-old Edwin Taylor Boyer, whose body was discovered on Nov. 4, 2021, inside his home near Ogden Park.
According to investigators, deputies were alerted after Boyer’s vehicle was found abandoned in a ditch behind homes in the area. A New Hanover County sheriff’s deputy determined the vehicle belonged to Boyer and went to his home to check on him.
Deputies found a window screen that had been slashed and removed. After entering the home, deputies discovered Boyer’s body in his bedroom. A pathologist later reported Boyer suffered at least 33 stab wounds, including seven fatal wounds to his throat and chest.
Earlier that same morning, Sikes had been stopped by law enforcement for passing a stopped school bus while driving Boyer’s vehicle. Investigators said Sikes provided a false explanation for why he was driving the car.
After Boyer’s death was discovered, deputies searched Sikes’ residence, where he was living with his girlfriend’s family in the same neighborhood. Investigators said they found several of Boyer’s belongings, including jewelry, along with a knife containing Boyer’s DNA. Authorities also reported Boyer’s DNA was found on Sikes’ clothing, and Sikes’ fingerprints were located inside Boyer’s home.
Investigators said Sikes also pawned one of Boyer’s watches for cash later that day.
During the trial, Sikes testified and acknowledged stealing from Boyer and killing him, but claimed he could not remember key details of the night due to substance use. The jury returned a guilty verdict in less than an hour.
Members of Boyer’s family were present at sentencing.
