Third suspect arrested in murder of 90-year-old Gastonia man

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man accused of targeting older people and robbing them has been charged with killing a 90-year-old man who had been reported missing.

Charges were filed Thursday against Brian Carver after authorities identified Ray Jackson’s body Wednesday night.

Carver's trial will to begin Monday. Channel 9's news partners at The Gazette say Carver's trial is expected to last two weeks.

(Brian Carver)

Carver's stepson, Joshua S. Rick, was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

(Joshua Rick)

On Friday Gaston County police arrested Willie Frazier II in the case. Frazier is charged with first-degree murder.

(Willie Frazier II)

Department of Transportation workers found Jackson’s body on the bank of a river on Landers Church Road in Gaston County earlier this week.

Police arrested Carver Wednesday at the Red Carpet Inn in Gastonia, where he was living.

Jackson was a well-loved member of First Wesleyan Church in Gastonia.

The pastor said Sunday's service will be a tribute to a man whom many considered kind and gentle.

(Jackson)

Jackson's car was found near one of the few budget motels in Gastonia, about 20 minutes from where his body was found.

Carver seemed to fight sleep Thursday as he appeared in court via video from the Gaston County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond.

He is also accused in two separate armed robberies, one resulting in a kidnapping and a stolen vehicle.

Carver is accused of armed robbery and assault of an elderly man March 7 in the 300 block of Rosewood Lane Extension in Dallas.

He is accused of displaying a gun and stealing personal items and a jar of coins.

Carver is also accused of armed robbery, assault of an elderly man and woman, kidnapping and stealing a 2003 Dodge Dakota truck on March 11 from a home in the 100 block of Kiser Dairy Road in Dallas.

He is accused of stealing cash and a vehicle during the incident.

Carver aimed a gun at Joey Barnes' 80-year-old father's head Saturday, then held both his parents at gunpoint at the home on Kiser Dairy Road, threatening to kill them if they resisted, officials said.

"It’s just good to see him where he belongs," Barnes said.

Carver dropped off Barnes' father on a road not far from where Jackson’s body was found Monday night.

"I'm just grateful my dad is still alive," Barnes said.

Police said it appears that Carver went on a crime spree targeting elderly people, first asking them for help, then turning on them when they least expected it.

"Any time you target elderly individuals, that can be called ‘callous,’" Gastonia police Capt. Curtis Rosselle said.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group