Apex man charged with murder

Pittsboro, NC – On the night of June 16, 2021, members of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 3300 block of Christian Chapel Church Road, New Hill, in response to a trespassing call. Deputies arrived on scene to find Brandon Wade Bryarley, 33, of Staley, deceased. Bryarley had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

James Edward Fox

Investigators say James Edward Fox, 47, of 219 Vatersay Drive, Apex, fired upon Bryarley following an altercation over trespassing. Fox told investigators that he had an ongoing issue with strangers riding vehicles on his property, and that Bryarley was riding a motorcycle on his land.

Investigators collected evidence on scene and spoke with additional witnesses regarding the incident. However, the investigation remains ongoing; anyone with information regarding the night of Bryarley’s death are asked to contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office at 919-542-2911.

Fox has been charged with felony murder and is currently in the custody of the Chatham County Detention Center under no bond. He is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 19, 2021.