Police seek 4th suspect in killing of man found in burning car

Police are looking for a fourth suspect wanted in the killing of a man whose body was found in the trunk of a burning car in Gaston County.

Jay Phifer, 39, is wanted on warrants for murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, kidnapping and breaking and entering. Police say Phifer should be considered armed and dangerous.

Norris Martin’s body was found in a burning car last week near the Gaston County town of Ranlo. Three other men have been accused in connection with his killing and with shooting and seriously injuring another man at the same time.

▪ Germonta Wallace, 30, died in a home off Remount Road Sunday night during a firefight with eight Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers — all members of the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team — who had come to arrest him. An officer was shot during that shootout, but her leg injury is not life threatening.

▪ Marquez Breon Springs-Owens, 29, Wallace’s childhood friend, was present at the shooting. After Wallace was killed, Springs-Owens barricaded himself inside a home and police called in the SWAT team and negotiators. Springs-Owens surrendered late Sunday, and a few hours later police charged him with murder

▪ James Evans, 28, was arrested and charged with murder after police captured him while he was running away from the burning car where Martin’s body was discovered.

Police believe Phifer frequents the areas around Freedom Drive, Beatties Ford Road and North Sharon Amity Road. Police encouraged anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 704-334-TIPS (8477) to speak to a homicide detective or to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Tipsters are eligible for a reward for information that leads to Phifer’s arrest.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 7:47 PM with the headline "Police seek 4th suspect in killing of man found in burning car."