A tragic incident in a Garner neighborhood left a husband and wife dead in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office reported that Johnston County 911 Communications received a call from a home on Chaney Drive at approximately 6:44 p.m. on Saturday. The caller did not speak before the line was disconnected. When dispatchers called the number back, a man answered and stated that he had contacted 911. In the background, a woman could be heard pleading for help and questioning why someone wanted to kill her.
Deputies were immediately dispatched to the home. Upon arrival, they heard what they believed to be a gunshot from inside the residence. Communications personnel contacted the home again, and the man answered, stating that he would step outside to speak with law enforcement. However, he never exited the house.
Concerned for the safety of the occupants, deputies established a perimeter and treated the situation as a possible hostage or barricaded subject scenario. Incident negotiators were brought in but were unable to establish further contact with anyone inside.
Authorities then obtained a search warrant and entered the home, where they discovered two deceased individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as 53-year-old Christopher Pugh and 54-year-old Teresa Adams-Pugh. The couple was married and lived at the residence, according to officials.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the incident. As of Monday afternoon, no additional information has been released.
Neighbors and community members have expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, with many emphasizing the importance of mental health support and domestic violence awareness. Law enforcement officials urge anyone experiencing distress or concerns about domestic violence to seek help through available resources and support networks.
For those in crisis, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or through their website at thehotline.org.
