Tameka Toshil Wright Spaulding, 45, and her cousin Delfonia Tanyette Wright were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds at a home on Cates Loop Road in Burlington, North Carolina, on December 12, 2021. A 911 call just before 3 p.m. reported two women had been shot; deputies arriving at the scene discovered both women deceased. Another woman in the house escaped by knocking down a door and diving through a window.

Investigators say the suspect, 45-year-old Alfonza McDuffie, had been in a relationship with Delfonia Wright and had moved into the home about six weeks earlier. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute after the women wanted McDuffie to leave. McDuffie was arrested within five hours and charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle; his record includes a 1997 conviction for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill and prior Assault on a Female charges.

The sheriff noted the case raised concerns about the criminal justice system and pointed to an increase in domestic violence calls since the pandemic began. If anyone has information about the events at the Cates Loop Road home or knew the victims, please share what you know.