Gloria Durham, 60, was shot to death at her home on Robinson Avenue in Ellerbe, North Carolina, on February 12, 2017. Her death was one of three in the same incident; her children Samuel Durham, 42, and Latasha Durham, 38, were also fatally shot. Three young children — ages 8 months, 4 years, and 10 years — were in the house and were not harmed.

Authorities say the suspect, Steve William Smith, was charged with three counts of murder, breaking and entering, and providing false information to law enforcement. The family described a nearly 20-year tumultuous relationship between Gloria Durham and Smith, and said Gloria had tried to leave him multiple times. Smith was arrested and held without bond while the investigation continued, with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office assisted by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

The killings devastated the Ellerbe community and underscored the family impact of domestic violence. If anyone knew Gloria or has information about the events at the Robinson Avenue home, please come forward.