Three years after the murders of D.P. and Mary Lou Black, Tony Patterson pled guilty and will face two consecutive life sentences without parole.
In July of 2021, the Blacks were found deceased in their home in Aberdeen when Moore County deputies made a welfare check after an employee of D.P. Black asked the department to check on the couple.
Following an extensive investigation, it was determined that earlier that day, Tony Patterson traveled with Timothy Cooper to Sandy Branch Lane. Cooper stayed in the car while Patterson, who had previously worked for D.P. Black, went to the Blacks’ home.
Patterson killed D.P. Black with a blunt object while he sat on the front porch and then shot Mary Lou Black inside the master bedroom. Patterson stole money, jewelry, a gun, and other personal items from the house before leaving with Cooper. The investigation indicated that both individuals used the stolen items to buy drugs.
Subsequently, Tony Patterson, 42, of Aberdeen, and Tim Cooper, 45, of Carthage, were arrested and each charged with two counts of murdering D.P. and Mary Lou Black.
A press release from Moore Count District Attorney Mike Hardin explained the decision-making process that has occurred over the last three years.
“Sheriff Ronnie Fields and District Attorney Mike Hardin met with members of the Black family on several occasions to discuss this case,” stated the release. “After nearly three years of discussion, the family asked Sheriff Fields and District Attorney Hardin to consider allowing Tony Patterson to serve consecutive life sentences in lieu of seeking the death penalty at trial.”
The release also noted, “This request was based primarily on religious and moral beliefs held by members of the family and the emotional strain of a protracted trial and appeals.”
According to District Attorney Mike Hardin, “This plea is a result of respecting the wishes of the family and for judicial economy. It in no way excuses or takes away from the heinous murders of DP and Mary Lou Black.”
~Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy.
Feature photo of D.P. and Mary Lou Black from WRAL TV.
