The Raleigh Police Department is investigating the death of a resident, who served nearly 15 years as a firefighter in Chapel Hill.

Several outlets report police found Larry Donnell Morrisey, who was known as Donnie, dead in his home on Tuesday. Officers responded shortly before noon and the department said Morrisey’s death investigation became a homicide investigation later in the day. The News & Observer reported incident reports filed by police determined Morrisey’s death occurred sometime between Sunday and Tuesday, while no cause has been listed. He was 48 years old.

Police said two other deaths on Tuesday are linked to Morrisey’s. The investigation led officers to search a Wendell home later in the day, where 48-year-old Beronica Brooks and a 9-year-old girl dead were both found dead.

WRAL reports police have identified Brooks as the suspect in Morrisey’s death. Brooks was the former girlfriend of Morrisey and the television station reports that their relationship had soured. Friends and family were concerned after Morrisey did not check in nor answer his door for several days, which prompted a call to 911.

Donnie Morrisey worked with the Chapel Hill Fire Department for nearly 15 years and was most recently a fire inspector. (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.)

Morrisey began his career with the Chapel Hill Fire Department in 2006. Beginning as a firefighter, he continued his career progression to master firefighter before moving into the Life Safety Division. The department says Morrisey’s most recent role was Fire Inspector II.

“Our main priority right now is to support Donnie’s family and our fire department family,” said Chapel Hill Fire Chief Vencelin Harris in a statement shared with Chapelboro. “We are heartbroken over the loss of our brother. We appreciate the respect and privacy everyone will give to his family in this difficult time.”

Retired Chapel Hill Fire Chief Dan Jones also shared his thoughts about Morrisey’s passing on Twitter following the news.

 

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