RAEFORD, NC – A quiet neighborhood in Hope County is reeling after the tragic events surrounding the death of a local woman. Residents, who describe their community as one where people look out for one another, are heartbroken by the news that a neighbor, Connie Linen, 68, was found dead, allegedly at the hands of her own grandson.
The incident unfolded on Thursday morning when Hope County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at Linen’s home for a welfare check. Upon entering, they discovered her unresponsive and later pronounced her dead. The scene quickly turned chaotic as police vehicles and caution tape surrounded the area, preventing residents from coming or going.
Authorities have charged Linen’s 13-year-old grandson with first-degree murder. Investigators reported that the boy fled the scene, prompting a search that ended in Cameron, where Lee County deputies located him in a stolen car belonging to his grandmother. The situation escalated when the teenager ran into the woods and allegedly charged an officer with a wooden board, prompting law enforcement to open fire, resulting in his death.
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief, describing the teen as polite and respectful. “He seemed like a decent kid,” one resident commented, recalling times spent playing basketball and racing remote-controlled cars with him. The tragedy has left the community grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
The State Bureau of Investigation is now examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They had been assisting local officers in locating the teen before the fatal encounter. Residents are eager for clarity and hope the investigation will shed light on the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
Many in the community are struggling to understand the family dynamics that could lead to such a tragic turn of events. Friends and neighbors describe Linen as a kind and friendly woman, adding to the shock of her untimely death.
As the investigation continues, Hope County residents are left to support one another through the grief and confusion that has gripped their once-peaceful neighborhood. The incident has sparked conversations about mental health and the challenges faced by families in crisis.
While the community waits for answers, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of tragedy. The loss of both Linen and her grandson has left an indelible mark on the neighborhood, one that will not soon be forgotten.