A domestic dispute in a Thomasville home on Tremont Street on the evening of March 26, 2026, ended in a fatal shooting. Cynthia Duff, 69, Black/African American, was found inside the house with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family remembered her for her laughter, cooking, and devotion to children and grandchildren.

An 18-year-old grandson, Christopher Gardin, also suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital; he was reported to be in stable condition. Police were called at about 7:59 p.m. and located 71-year-old Clarence Taft Duff in his vehicle on National Highway at approximately 8:09 p.m.; he was taken into custody without incident.

Clarence Taft Duff was charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and discharging a firearm within the city limits, and is being held at the Davidson County Jail without bond as the investigation continues. If anyone knew Cynthia or has information about that evening, please come forward.