Cheryl Garner Medlin, a 75-year-old woman from Durham, NC, tragically died on December 11, 2022, after being shot in the head by her daughter, Paula Lee Decoteau. The incident occurred at their home on Spruce Pine Trail in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Decoteau, aged 51, shot her mother once in the forehead following an argument.
Two other individuals in the house at the time of the shooting reported hearing the argument and the subsequent gunshot. They also stated that Decoteau confiscated their phones and prevented them from leaving the house for approximately 30 minutes before allowing them to call 911. Medlin was transported to Duke Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries later that evening.
Paula Lee Decoteau was arrested and charged with several offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, and assault on a government official. During her arrest, Decoteau kicked a deputy in the chest. Following Medlin's death, Decoteau faced additional charges, including first-degree murder. She was held at the Orange County Detention Center under a $500,000 bond. The investigation revealed that the shooting was a domestic incident, and there was no danger to the broader community.
The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the relationship between the victim and the suspect. Neighbors and acquaintances of Cheryl Garner Medlin expressed shock and disbelief at the violence, describing her as a kind and well-liked individual. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and testimonies from those involved. Decoteau's first court appearance was scheduled for December 12, 2022, where she faced the initial charges before the homicide charges were added. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as the case develops.
