Victor Ray Mitchell, 69, of Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, was found dead in his home on January 5, 2015. An autopsy and the Columbus County Coroner Linwood Cartrette determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound; his body was discovered a day after he was reported missing. Investigators noted Mitchell had no family in Columbus County and initially struggled to locate next of kin.

Debra Soles Strickland, 58, who had been living with Mitchell at his Haynes Lennon Road home, was arrested and charged with murder. She was taken into custody at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton on January 8, 2015, and held without bond at the Columbus County Detention Center. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office continued collecting evidence from the scene while attempting to piece together events leading to Mitchell’s death.

If anyone knew Victor, his movements in early January 2015, or has information about the household on Haynes Lennon Road, please share what is known.