A multi-unit investigation is underway for an alleged murder-suicide.
On Thursday at 10:45 p.m., a Southern Pines Police officer stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation at the Highway 1 and Morganton Road ramp.
Video by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Abegail Murphy.
“As the officer was approaching the vehicle, the officer found the driver slumped over and suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” according to a news release from the Southern Pines Police Department. “The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“As the on-scene investigation was beginning, the Southern Pines Police Department was notified that an “attempt to locate” was issued by the Fayetteville Police Department for the vehicle in this incident regarding a homicide investigation in Fayetteville.”
Fayetteville Police Department identified the man as the victim’s boyfriend, Tito Matos, 37.
Moore County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Pines Police Department are assisting the Fayetteville Police Department in the investigation.
Fayetteville Police investigates the scene where a woman was killed on Sept. 14. Photo by Fayetteville Police Department.
“The deceased female has been identified as Jessica Moore (35 years old),” said the Fayetteville Police Department on its Facebook page. “Her family has been notified. The preliminary investigation revealed a male left the scene shortly after the incident. Later in the evening, Southern Pines Police Department located a male in a vehicle, who was pronounced deceased on scene. The male was confirmed to be the suspect in the homicide that occurred in the 3200 block of Kentyre Drive.”
Feature photo: Southern Pines Police Department investigates on U.S. 1 and Morganton Road ramp on Sept. 14. Photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Abegail Murphy.
