On October 21, 2023, in Stanley, North Carolina, 11-year-old Cyrus Lee Blakney was killed during a violent home incident involving his father, 48-year-old Russell Blakney. Law enforcement had been at the Brentwood Lane residence trying to serve Russell with an involuntary mental commitment order and a domestic violence protection order. Negotiations continued overnight while Cyrus and his twin sister, Piper, remained inside the house.

In the early hours of October 21 the home was set on fire, reportedly by Russell. Responders forced entry and rescued both children, but Cyrus was found with fatal injuries inflicted by his father and was pronounced dead at the scene. Piper survived and was treated at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem for non-life-threatening injuries from the fire. Prior to this, Russell faced charges including false imprisonment, assault by pointing a gun, and possession of a firearm by a felon connected to a domestic violence report from his wife. A judge had approved a protection order the day before but it had not been served.

Cyrus was described as a bright, charismatic boy who had recently devoted himself to his faith and swam with the Gaston Gators Swim Team. The community has mourned and a GoFundMe was set up to help the surviving family. Does anyone have information about Cyrus, Piper, or the family that could help fill gaps in the timeline?