Paula Kay Self, 55, of Kernersville, North Carolina, was found dead in her home on Weatherton Drive on the morning of November 7, 2022, after law enforcement responded to a reported shooting. A second male victim was found at a neighbor’s house and taken to hospital with a gunshot wound.

Investigators reported Paula was in a romantic relationship with 35-year-old Derrick Jose Ward. Video evidence showed Ward leaving her home after an argument and then returning later that morning. Charges filed included first-degree murder, felony firearm by a felon, and felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Ward later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a sentence with a minimum of 120 months and a maximum of 156 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.

Paula was born July 2, 1967, and is remembered by family as quiet, spiritual, devoted to her faith and to caring for animals, especially stray cats. She is survived by her parents, Norman and Lynda Self, and her brothers Lee and David. Does anyone have memories of Paula or information about the neighborhood around Weatherton Drive that could shed light on that morning?