Debra Ann Harris Royal

Debra Ann Harris Royal, a 49-year-old woman from Thurmond, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed on July 9, 2018. The incident occurred at her residence on 440 Center Lane in Thurmond. Debra was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound when deputies arrived at the scene. The Wilkes County Sheriff's Office arrested Timmy Dale Bates, a 53-year-old man who was living with Debra at the time of the shooting. Bates was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The investigation revealed that Bates and Debra were living together, and the shooting took place in their shared home. Bates was held in the Wilkes County Jail without bond following his arrest. The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the relationship between the victim and the suspect.

In 2022, Timmy Dale Bates pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Debra Ann Harris Royal. He was sentenced to 10-13 years in state prison by Senior Superior Court Judge Michael D. Duncan of Wilkesboro. Bates received credit for the time he had already served in jail, which amounted to 1,291 days. The shotgun used in the slaying was ordered to be destroyed by the judge.

Debra Ann Harris Royal was born in Surry County to the late Daniel and Rosie Cockerham Harris. She is survived by her daughter Brittany Hall, grandson Cain Hall, sister Janie Cox, and two brothers, Jimmy Harris and Jeff Harris. The family held a visitation service at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville to honor her memory.