Stephen Robert Eley, a 60-year-old Caucasian male, passed away on November 21, 2021, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born on August 27, 1961, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, he was the son of Patricia Barker and the late E.W. Bob Eley. Stephen's death was a result of a tragic domestic incident that occurred at their residence on Beaumont Drive.
On the night of November 21, 2021, Garrett Robert Eley, Stephen's 27-year-old son, made an unusual 911 call, confessing to the shooting and killing of his father, Stephen Robert Eley, and his uncle, Brian Eugene Eley, aged 57. Garrett Eley reported that he had used a high-powered rifle in close proximity to the victims. During the 911 call, Garrett admitted to the dispatcher that he had shot both his father and uncle, and that he had locked his grandparents, Patricia Ann Barker and Robert Irving Barker, in the bathroom during the incident. Garrett stated that he had no intention of harming his grandparents and that the conflict was between him, his father, and his uncle.
Garrett Eley was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree kidnapping. The motive behind the shootings was not explicitly detailed during the 911 call, but Garrett mentioned that there had been ongoing death threats and conflicts within the family. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were no prior reports of domestic disturbances at the residence. The investigation into the incident revealed that the shootings were the result of a domestic disturbance and that there was no threat to the community.
The tragic deaths of Stephen Robert Eley and Brian Eugene Eley left the family and community in shock. Neighbors expressed their devastation and disbelief at the events that unfolded on that fateful night. The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of family members. The investigation into the incident continued, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of two lives.
