CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police in Newton, North Carolina have determined a missing couple found dead inside a newspaper office died as a result of a murder-suicide.
Larry B. Brigham, 58, and Cindy J Hull, 55, were found with gunshot wounds inside of the Observer News Enterprise along North College Avenue in Newton around 11 p.m. Friday.
Hull had been reported missing by her family in Catawba County. A joint investigation by the Newton Police Department and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office brought officials to the newspaper office, where Brigham was employed.
Both individuals' cars were found at the office.
Investigators believe this to be a domestic violence-related case.
"Domestic violence is a serious matter and needs to be addressed immediately," Newton Police Department Chief Vidal Sipe said in a released statement.
The chief provided the following phone numbers for assistance:
- You can call 911 or the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430
- The Family Guidance Center at 828-322-1400
- The Crisis hotline at 828-228-1787 for counseling and mental health assistance
"This is a tragic situation and our prayers are with the Hull and Brigham families," Sipe said. "We also want the public to know that this appears to be an isolated incident and there are no remaining threats to the community."
This is an ongoing investigation between the Newton Police Department and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Garrett with the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430 or Investigator Stobbe with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-465- 8340.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.