REIDSVILLE, N.C. — A decades-old murder case in Rockingham County came to a resolution on Friday, November 22, 2024, as Johnny Ware pleaded guilty in Superior Court to Second Degree Murder for the 1994 killing of his uncle, Edward Ware. The plea provided long-awaited closure for Ware’s family and the community, bringing an end to what had been a cold case for nearly 30 years.
District Attorney Katy Gregg announced that Ware, now 56, was sentenced to serve 50 years in the custody of the Department of Adult Corrections. The case, which remained unsolved for decades, was revived in 2023 with advancements in DNA technology, ultimately leading to Ware’s arrest and conviction.
The Crime and Investigation
On May 7, 1994, Edward Ware, 68, was found dead in his home in Reidsville. Investigators reported signs of a violent struggle, evidence of robbery, and no forced entry. Despite an extensive investigation by the Reidsville Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the case grew cold as leads dwindled.
In 2023, a breakthrough came when new DNA evidence linked Johnny Ware to the crime, prompting his arrest.
Praise for Law Enforcement and Persistence
District Attorney Gregg expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of law enforcement and forensic scientists who worked tirelessly to bring resolution to the case.
“Our office supports all efforts to continue the search for answers and shine light on cold cases for the families who have waited so long in the dark,” Gregg said. “We are grateful that advances in forensic science have made the continued pursuit of justice possible and for the agencies that have persisted, without pause, to ensure that these cold cases are never left on a shelf to collect dust.”
She specifically recognized the contributions of current and former members of the Reidsville Police Department, the SBI, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory.
Closure for the Community
Reflecting on the broader significance of the case, Gregg underscored the importance of pursuing justice for all victims.
“All victims matter, and all cases deserve closure,” she stated. “Our thoughts are with the Ware family during this time; and to those who seek to commit senseless acts of violence in our community, know that we will never waiver or give up in our efforts to secure justice.”
The resolution of Edward Ware’s murder highlights the value of persistence, technological innovation, and collaboration in addressing cold cases. For the Ware family and the Reidsville community, the outcome brings a sense of long-awaited peace.
