HARRISBURG, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has identified a man who they say fatally shot a woman and then took his own life after firing at deputies outside a Harrisburg home.
According to the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, Jan. 13, deputies responded to a home on Hammermill Drive near Roberta Road regarding a reported domestic dispute.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities said, two deputies witnessed a man fatally shoot a woman in the driveway of the home.
The suspect then hid behind a vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the responding deputies, “displaying reckless disregard for the safety of nearby homes and residents in the neighborhood,” the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies returned fire while requesting additional support from the Concord Police Department.
On the police radio, deputies can be heard screaming, “Shots fired.” Then another deputy says, “Send all you’ve got,” meaning to bring all the resources to the firefight in the middle of the neighborhood.
The incident concluded with both the female victim and the male suspect pronounced dead at the scene. The woman has been identified as Chartara Laverta Courtney, 43, and the suspect has been identified as Willie Lawrence Wimbley, 47. Authorities said the two were previously known to have been in a dating relationship.
The initial investigation determined that the suspect died of an apparent suicide, however, the information is preliminary as the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office awaits final determination from the medical examiner’s office and the results of the SBI investigation.
Although this incident is tragic due to the loss of life, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office commends the courageous actions of the responding deputies and appreciates the critical assistance provided by the Concord Police Department.
Van W. Shaw, Cabarrus County Sheriff
No deputies were injured during this incident.
Those involved have been placed on administrative leave, as protocol. The SBI is conducting an independent investigation in accordance with Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office policy.
