Erica Thomas, a 38-year-old woman from Waxhaw, NC, tragically lost her life on March 6, 2022, in what has been determined to be a murder-suicide. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM at a residence on Collins Road, where deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arrival, they found Erica Thomas deceased in the driveway from apparent gunshot wounds. Her ex-husband, 41-year-old Joshua D. Laney, was also found in the driveway with a single gunshot wound.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Laney was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Investigations revealed that the incident began as a verbal domestic disturbance between Erica Thomas and Joshua Laney. During the confrontation, Laney presented a rifle, shot and killed Thomas, and then shot himself. At the time of the incident, there was an active Domestic Violence Protection Order against Laney, and all known firearms belonging to him had been seized by the Union County Sheriff's Office in accordance with the DVPO. However, the source of the weapon used in the incident remains under investigation.
Erica Thomas and Joshua Laney were formerly married and had a 6-year-old daughter. On the day of the incident, Thomas was picking up their daughter from a relative's house when Laney pulled in behind her and committed the tragic act. Fortunately, their daughter did not witness the shooting. The UCSO is working diligently to determine how Laney obtained the firearm used in the incident, as it was not among the weapons previously seized. The investigation aims to hold accountable anyone who may have provided the weapon to Laney or to understand how he acquired it.
The community has been deeply affected by this tragic event, and efforts are being made to ensure the well-being of the couple's daughter. Social services are involved to provide the necessary support and care for her. The incident has also highlighted the ongoing challenges and dangers associated with domestic violence, even when legal protections are in place.
