Marla Scurlock Sharp, 44, was found dead at her Westview Drive home in Cleveland, Tennessee, on the morning of Monday, July 27, 2015, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to her upper torso. She owned and operated The Diner on 1st from 2008, was active in The New Life Bible Church, and is survived by three children and a grandson.

Investigators focused on her boyfriend, Donald Lee Abbott, who turned himself in shortly after Sharp’s body was discovered and was charged with first-degree murder. Authorities say Abbott had a prior criminal history that included domestic assault and robbery; he declined to make a statement after surrendering. The case attracted substantial local media attention and prompted public discussion about domestic violence.