On January 8, 2024, in Casar, North Carolina, 44-year-old Laurie Ann Marks and her daughter, 28-year-old Kimberly Renee McNeilly were found fatally shot inside a car parked in the driveway of Marks’ residence. Earlier that day Marks had contacted authorities about her boyfriend, 32-year-old Thomas Gene Eaker, describing him as loud and rude but not dangerous; officers responded and Eaker left the premises. Less than an hour later both women were discovered deceased.

Eaker, who had been living with Marks and was described by family as trustworthy, was arrested shortly after the incident at a residence on Oakgrove-Cloverhill Church Road and charged with two counts of murder. Marks and McNeilly had been caring for Marks’ elderly mother, who was inside the house during the shootings and unaware of what occurred; McNeilly’s six-year-old daughter was also in the home. Authorities have not released a motive and the investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone knew Laurie, Kimberly, or has information about the events on January 8 in Casar, please come forward to assist the investigation.