A suspect is charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 71-year-old Anglican priest whose body was discovered in Eno State Park early Sunday morning.

Matthew John Reed

Matthew John Reed

The suspect, 36-year-old Matthew John Reed, is being held in the Orange County Jail for the murder of Kent Torrey Hinkson, who was last seen at his home in the Woodcroft area of South Durham last Monday.

Hinkson reportedly left left his home to run errands at a nearby bank, a grocery store and a Rite-Aid. His family reported to authorities that he never returned.

A search effort ensued, and Hinkson’s red Hyundai Sonata was discovered Wednesday in a parking lot of Mews Apartments on Willamsburg Road, nearly five miles from his home.

 

Kent Hinkson

Kent Hinkson

WRAL reported that Reed, the suspect, led authorities to Hinkson’s body somewhere near Pleasant Green Road and U.S. 70 on Sunday, at around midnight. The cause of death is still unknown.

The SBI has jurisdiction over the case, since the body was found on state property.

Reed is expected to make his first court appearance on August 11.