Jennifer Merriman was 17 when she was killed on September 6, 2014, during a domestic disturbance in Richfield, North Carolina. Jennifer died at the scene; 54-year-old Bernice Merriman, Julia’s aunt, was seriously injured. Julia, who had a restraining order against Montannez, was initially feared kidnapped but was later found hiding in a closet with her two infant sons.

After the shooting, Montannez Moody fled and committed further crimes across several counties. He allegedly kidnapped a couple at gunpoint in Guilford County, forced the male victim from their vehicle and drove off with the female victim, who later escaped and reported she had been raped. Authorities later located Montannez deceased in a swampy area of Edgecombe County; his death is believed to be from a drug overdose. Rowan County deputies issued warrants charging him with first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree burglary and violation of a domestic violence order; investigators tied the shootings to the ongoing domestic dispute involving Julia Moody, who was scheduled to appear in court on the restraining order.

If anyone knew Jennifer, Bernice, Julia Moody or has information about the events of September 6, 2014, please come forward.