SBI: Investigation continues in Bladen Co. 1976 murders

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The State Bureau of Investigation continues an investigation of the reopened 1976 Josephine and Aileen Davis murders in Bladen County. The investigation continues after the man originally convicted of the killings was exonerated Friday.

The SBI says the case has been reopened since February of 2013 at the request of District Attorney Jon David when evidence used to convict Joseph Sledge for the homicides was unanimously determined by the North Carolina Innocence Commission to be questionable and warranted a judicial review. After the review in Whiteville Friday, Sledge was freed.

The SBI says it will not close the case until all viable leads have been exhausted.