Debra Ann Harris Royal, 49, was shot and killed at her home on 440 Center Lane in Thurmond, North Carolina, on July 9, 2018. Deputies who responded to the residence found her deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53-year-old Timmy Dale Bates, who was living with Royal at the time. Bates was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon and was held in the Wilkes County Jail without bond. The shotgun believed to have been used in the shooting is part of the investigation.

Debra was born in Surry County to the late Daniel and Rosie Cockerham Harris. She is survived by her daughter Brittany Hall, grandson Cain Hall, sister Janie Cox, and brothers Jimmy Harris and Jeff Harris. Visitation was held at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville.

If anyone has information about what happened at 440 Center Lane on July 9, 2018, please come forward.