Stephenie Ann Mazzella, 43, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, was shot to death inside her home on March 25, 2016, along with her husband Sandy Mazzella, 47, and Sandy’s mother Elaine Mazzella, 76. The victims were attacked at close range after their neighbor, Jonathan Sander, allegedly entered the house with a loaded shotgun. Salvatore Mazzella escaped and sought help; the couple’s son was not home and their daughter hid upstairs and was unharmed.

Neighbors and family had once been close: the Mazzellas moved to Wake Forest around 2007 and socialized with Sander’s family. The relationship soured in late 2015 amid business disputes and accusations the Mazzellas made about embezzlement. In February 2016 Sandy and his father obtained restraining orders after threats; an attempt to extend a restraining order the day before the shooting was denied. Reports say tensions rose further when a minor in the Mazzella family accused Sander of inappropriate behavior and the Mazzellas taunted him.

Jonathan Sander was arrested for the killings; at trial he claimed he was framed and accused Salvatore Mazzella of killing his family for insurance money. He was convicted and given life without parole. Did anyone in the neighborhood notice escalating threats or incidents before March 25, 2016?