April 22, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chad Flowers

Public Information Officer

cflowers@ncsbi.gov

919.618.1332

(JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC) - On Friday, February 21, 2025, at 3:38 am, a car accident with injuries was reported at the 86-mile marker on I-95 northbound near Four Oaks. Local fire and EMS crews were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered an unconscious man in the driver's seat of a 2017 Ford Mustang. The man was transported to WakeMed Hospital for treatment. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NC SHP) initiated the investigation into the accident. The driver was identified as 87-year-old Toshio Takashima from Virginia.

On March 17, 2025, the NC SHP requested full assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) after being advised of inconsistencies regarding Mr. Takashima's injuries.

A week later, on March 24, 2025, WakeMed notified investigators that Mr. Takashima had passed away one day before his 88th birthday. His body was sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office for a complete autopsy. The initial findings of the autopsy classified Mr. Takashima's death as a homicide.

The SBI, Johnston County Sheriff's Office, and Johnston County District Attorney are seeking the public's help in gathering information related to this case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the SBI at 919-662-4500 or the Johnston County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 919-989-5010.

This case is a joint investigation involving the SBI, NC SHP, and the Johnston County Sheriff's Office.  If available, any additional details regarding this case will be shared through press releases, social media posts, and the SBI's website at www.NCSBI.gov.