In a tragic incident that has left the community reeling, a pastor, his wife, and his mother were fatally shot in their North Carolina home by a 15-year-old relative. The victims, identified as Danny Richards, 57, his wife Sabrina, 54, and his mother Clara, 74, were beloved figures in their Fayetteville neighborhood and beyond.
The horrifying events unfolded on Tuesday evening at the Richards’ residence in the Trotter’s Ridge neighborhood of Harnett County. According to reports from The Fayetteville Observer, the shooter was the nephew of Danny and Sabrina, who had been living with them. A 10-year-old cousin, present during the incident, bravely called 911 to report the shooting, thankfully escaping injury.
When law enforcement arrived, Danny and Sabrina were found deceased in their home, while Clara was still alive and was rushed to Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The emotional weight of this tragedy is felt deeply by the community, as the Richards family was known for their dedication to service and compassion.
The teenager fled the scene but was later apprehended after abandoning a vehicle in the woods nearby. Initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the charges increased to three following Clara’s death. He also faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Due to his age, his identity has not been publicly disclosed, and he is currently held at the North Carolina Juvenile Detention Center.
Danny Richards was the founder and pastor of Genesis Grace Ministry in Fayetteville, a church known for its outreach programs that focused on homelessness. Both he and Sabrina were U.S. Army veterans, having served in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Their commitment to helping others extended beyond their military service; Danny was actively involved in local service organizations, including the Cumberland County Continuum of Care on Homelessness.
Debbie Brown, chairperson of the Continuum of Care, expressed the profound loss felt by the community. “Their absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved them,” she said. Brown highlighted Danny’s humility and dedication to his ministry, emphasizing that he sought to make a difference without seeking personal recognition. “He wanted to be able to impact his community in all aspects,” she added.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, many are coming together to support one another and to remember the lives and contributions of the Richards family. Their legacy of service and love will not be forgotten, and the impact they made on their community will continue to resonate in the hearts of those they touched.
In times of tragedy, it’s essential to lean on faith and the support of one another. As we remember the Richards family, let us keep them in our prayers and reflect on the importance of community, compassion, and understanding in our own lives. For those seeking support, resources are available through local churches and community organizations that can provide assistance during this difficult time.