The horrid deed.
by Lisa Y. Henderson
MURDER. – An inquest was held by coroner Scott over the body of a free negro named Chaves, who was found murdered on the Fayetteville road, several miles from this city, on Friday morning last. His death was caused by a frightful wound extending from the groin upwards towards the bowls, which was doubtless made by a knife. The testimony before the coroner’s jury, we learn, implicates a free negro named Jordan, and a free woman in the horrid deed. The woman has been lodged in jail, but the man has not been taken.
The North-Carolina Star (Raleigh), 8 November 1854.
Fourth Generation Inclusive 
Interesting Piece and a great find
Hello Lisa,
I know you have been posting for quite a while. Did you have any information on James Roberts who murdered in 1754 in Robeson? I have seen references to the fact that it was the first act of violence by a Lumbee Indian and that he shot the man 5 times.
Cousin Gigi
Hi, Gigi. No, I haven’t run across any such reference. Not sure what that means — “first act of violence”? Surely, the people later known as Lumbee have been as violent as the rest of humankind. Perhaps the first act recorded in NC colonial records? I’ll check the sources available to me online. Thanks for reading and posting!
Lisa,
Thank you for your prompt response. I will see you the reference.
Cousin Gigi
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Thanks! Love to find 18th century sources documenting free people of color.