The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations investigated a murder-suicide that left seven dead on Sunday afternoon.
A release from the sheriff’s office confirmed the incident on Monday morning, sharing the names of the deceased individuals and later identifying the shooter. Both organizations remain on-scene to determine details of the shooting that spanned across multiple residences off Moncure Flatwood Road.
Sheriff deputies first responded to a report of shots fired shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Upon their arrival to the scene, the release said it became apparent the shooting was not believed to be random, with the suspected shooter and victims all being members of the same family.
According to the sheriff’s office, the names of the deceased are as follows: Jeanie Ray, 67, Helen Mason, 93, Ellis Mansfield, 73, Lisa Mansfield, 54, John Paul Sanderford, 41, and Nicole Sanderford, 39. A later release from the authorities identified Larry Ray, 66, as the shooter.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson in a statement. “To lose any family member is devastating, but to lose several at once to unexpected violence is unimaginable. There are no words to describe the sense of loss we feel as a community in the wake of this terrible event.”
A later release from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said efforts are underway to help support two surviving family members of the murder-suicide: two teenage boys whose parents were killed. A care fund called “Flatwood Boys Stay Strong” has been established and can be donated to from any Wells Fargo bank nationwide and the Fidelity Bank in Moncure.
Those affected by the tragedy are encouraged to seek emotional support, including reaching out to the NC Victim Assistance Network, Triangle Survivors of Suicide or the Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit.
“In Chatham County, when one of us hurts, we all hurt, and we pull together,” said Sheriff Roberson. “We can’t undo what has happened, but we can surround this family and each other with love and support as we decide where to go from here.”
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said no motive for the shooting is known at this time.
Photo via the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
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