Kathleen Ann Bertrand, 41, was shot and killed on September 10, 2012, as she arrived for work at Pier 1 Imports in Cameron Village, Raleigh. The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m.; she was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering eight gunshot wounds, including two to the head. Her ex-husband, Christopher John Bertrand, 42, was later found dead by suicide behind a nearby building after a daylong search for the gunman that had prompted lockdowns at schools and stores.

Court records show Kathleen had sought a domestic violence protective order against Christopher because of harassment and erratic behavior; she and her three children had gone into hiding at one point to avoid his threats. Despite the order, he continued to harass her and tried to see the children daily while under investigation by child protective services. Kathleen had told others she feared for her safety and that he had threatened suicide if he could not be with the children.