LILLINGTON, N.C. — A tight-knit North Carolina community is in mourning after a devastating act of violence claimed the lives of Bishop Danny Richards and his beloved wife, Sabrina Richards, at their home on Kentucky Derby Lane in the Trotter’s Ridge neighborhood. Authorities say the suspected shooter is the couple’s 14-year-old nephew, now in custody.
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to the residence at approximately 5:18 p.m. on Tuesday, where they discovered two victims dead from gunshot wounds and a third person suffering injuries. The surviving victim’s identity and condition have not yet been released.
Family members confirmed that the deceased were Bishop Richards and Sabrina Richards, a couple whose love and faith had anchored them through nearly three decades of marriage. Tragically, the shooting occurred on Sabrina’s birthday, just hours after family and friends had gathered to celebrate her life.
Sabrina, a graduate of Douglas Byrd High School, was remembered by loved ones as warm, caring, and deeply committed to her family. Friends recall her laughter lighting up any room she entered and her ability to make anyone feel welcome. Danny, known affectionately as Bishop Richards, was a man of deep faith and service who had touched many lives through ministry and community outreach.
The couple’s lives were woven into the fabric of both Harnett and Cumberland Counties, where they often visited friends, supported church events, and enjoyed evenings out in downtown Fayetteville. To those who knew them, they were more than just respected members of the community—they were a source of comfort, inspiration, and generosity.
According to investigators, the teenage suspect fled the scene in a gray pickup truck immediately after the shooting, sparking a multi-agency search. He was apprehended later Tuesday night without further incident. While the motive remains unclear, authorities have confirmed the suspect is a relative, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already incomprehensible tragedy.
Sheriff’s officials stress that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives working to piece together the events that led to the deadly encounter. The surviving victim is being treated, and their recovery status is being closely monitored.
For the friends, family, and congregation members now grieving, the loss of Bishop Danny and Sabrina Richards is immeasurable. What was meant to be a day of joy turned into one of unspeakable sorrow, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.
The community is rallying around the family, offering prayers, vigils, and support in the wake of this senseless act. As one neighbor put it, “They were the kind of people who gave more than they took. To lose them this way is something our hearts can’t understand.”
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