Hope Laraine Kennedy, 45, of Newton, North Carolina, was fatally shot at her home on December 23, 2021, after a domestic dispute that escalated into a physical altercation. She was found with a gunshot wound and died at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Kennedy lived in the house with her boyfriend, 39-year-old Thomas Matthew Gardner, and their two teenage children.

Gardner was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder; he is being held without bond and is awaiting trial. The two teenagers in the home were unharmed and have been placed in the custody of a family member. Local law enforcement states the argument turned violent and led to the shooting.

Community members expressed shock at the killing and officials have spoken about domestic violence in connection with the case. If anyone knew Hope Kennedy or has information about the events that night, please come forward to investigators.