Brenda Kay Wilson, 57, of Williamston, North Carolina, was found dead at her South Watts Street residence on November 2, 2021. The cause of death was a gunshot wound; the incident was reported to police at about 6:30 p.m. on the same day.

Investigators say an argument between Wilson and 79-year-old James Earl Best escalated and Best shot Wilson. Best was arrested and charged with an open count of murder and held without bond pending his first court appearance. Records in the case note Best had a prior conviction for second-degree murder in Beaufort County in 1974, receiving a 30-year sentence and being paroled after 14 years.

The community continues to mourn Wilson. If anyone has information about what happened that evening or knew Brenda, please share tips with the authorities.