Karla Ragsdale Essick, a 54-year-old woman from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tragically passed away on July 15, 2020. Karla, known to many as "Charlie," was a registered nurse with Advanced Nursing Solutions. She was born on August 5, 1965, in Davidson County, North Carolina, to Frank Dalton Ragsdale, Sr. and Nancy Hartman Ragsdale. Karla was preceded in death by her husband, Brent Russell Essick, in 2013.
On the morning of July 15, 2020, Karla Ragsdale Essick was found suffering from
a gunshot wound at her residence on Cool Springs Road in Winston-Salem. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The police investigation revealed that Karla had been shot by her neighbor, Hermon Lowell Aycoth, an 87-year-old man. Aycoth remained at the scene until the police arrived and was subsequently arrested without incident.
Hermon Lowell Aycoth was charged with murder and taken into custody at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center without bond. The police conducted a thorough investigation, canvassing the area to gather information and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to Karla's death. The case was treated as a homicide, and the authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
Karla Ragsdale Essick's death left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the community. She is survived by her sons, Bradley, Brandon, and Brody Essick, as well as her grandchildren and other family members. Her passing was mourned by many who knew and loved her, and her contributions as a nurse were remembered fondly by her patients and colleagues.
