CHOWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — Jordan Isaiah Thomas, 29, was charged with murder Monday, days after a woman’s body was found in the trunk of his car, the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office said.

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, a tow truck company was called to remove a car from the parking lot of a business located at 6055 U.S. Highway 264 East in Washington, N.C.

The vehicle was towed to a local facility where an employee of the towing business discovered the body in the trunk.

Investigators say Thomas left his car in the parking lot and stole a truck from the same lot.

Thomas was arrested at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital after the stolen truck was located there. He was initially charged with concealing the death of a person and larceny of a motor vehicle. 

Several agencies are working in conjunction on the case because there is more than one crime scene. It is believed that the victim was murdered at a different location, according to the Chowan County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials say evidence was found at a home in Edenton where Thomas had been living. At this time, officials are still unsure if the murder happened there or at another location. They are also unclear how the victim was murdered.

Investigators believe Thomas and the victim knew one another.

The victim is believed to be 19-year-old Elizabeth City State University student Amarriah Smith. The medical examiner’s office will confirm the victim’s identity and determine the cause of death.

Amarriah’s mother shared several photos with WAVY.

ECSU posted about Smith’s passing, on social media, with her picture and information about an on-campus vigil to be held Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Great Hall.

Hello Vikings,

We are truly saddened by the passing of Amarriah Smith. We are going to gather tomorrow, Tuesday January, 23, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. in the Great Hall to celebrate her life.

As our Viking community navigates this tragic loss, we are here to support you through your grief. There are trained staff and community resources available to offer help.

Student Counseling Services (GRIFFIN HALL Suite 500)

To set up an appointment with Counseling Services, call 252-335-3275 or stop by Griffin Hall Suite 500. If you need to speak with someone.

Elizabeth City State University

Thomas was denied bond when he stood before a magistrate. He is currently being held at the Chowan Detention Center.

This investigation remains ongoing.