GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Three people died after police say a man shot two people in a vehicle before shooting himself on Monday.
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Around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, the Gaston County Police Department responded to a crash on Robinson-Clemmer Road near Dallas. When crews arrived at the scene, they found three people in a car that had been shot.
Police determined that the incident happened around 1:30 p.m., although calls were not made to law enforcement until 3:13 p.m.
Gaston County police said David James Bright, 34, shot and killed the driver of the vehicle, Darlene Hardin, 57, and the front seat passenger, Benjamin Simmons, 65, before shooting and killing himself at the scene.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
Gaston County police confirmed to WCNC Charlotte Reporter Lexi Wilson on Tuesday that Bright was the son of Hardin.
Those who live nearby say they were shocked by the news.
“It’s kind of scary," neighbor Garrett Mooneyhan said. “You don’t want to know it’s happening regularly around where your kids are playing or where you live.”
Bright's relationship with Hardin and Simmons is unknown at this time. Police have not yet identified a motive for the shooting.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gaston County PD at 704-866-3320 or 704-861-800.
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