The Southern Pines Police Department responded to a report of a deceased female in a vehicle Sunday evening at 7:45 pm. The car was located on a dirt road off of South Gaines Street in Southern Pines, according to a news release from the police department.
The victim, who was pregnant, has been identified as Aiyonna Clarice Barrett, 18, with a last known address in Sanford. Officials stated Barrett suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Detectives working the case believe this was not a random act of violence. The victims body was taken to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy for cause of death, according to the news release.
Following the results of the autopsy, the news release stated, “The status of the investigation being conducted by the Southern Pines Police Department was changed from a suspicious death investigation to a homicide investigation. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute, this investigation will be investigated as a double homicide, pursuing justice not only for Aiyonna Clarice Barrett, but for her full term unborn child as well.”
After an investigation, The Southern Pines Police Department arrested an 18 year old from Rockingham.
Brian Lovon Little, from a Robin Covington Road address was charged early Friday morning for the double homicide Barrett and her full-term unborn child. Little is being held without bond. It is reported Little is the father of the unborn child. The investigation is continuing.
Brian Little
Chief Bob Temme offered the following comments following the arrest of Brian Lovon Little.
“The immediate aftermath of a homicide is a time of confusion and intense emotion for everyone involved. I have the privilege of working with and supervising arguably, the best detectives, patrol officers, and dispatchers in the country who all were able to displace their emotions in the pursuit of justice for Aiyonna and her unborn child. We all grieve for the family and friends of Aiyonna and while we, at the Southern Pines Police Department, cannot return to this earth Aiyonna and her child, we can ensure that justice is served, and today, I believe we have done just that.”
Photo of Aiyonna Clarice Barrett (above) shared on social media.
