Carlene Renae Brannon, a 40-year-old woman from Rocky Point, North Carolina, tragically passed away on May 3, 2020. Carlene, who was born on November 11, 1979, in New Hanover County, was the daughter of Patsy Spivey Brannon and the late Carl David Brannon. She was a beloved mother to her two sons, Michael Brannon and Kevin Houle, and her two daughters, Kristen Richardson and Raiden Brannon. Carlene enjoyed fishing and spending time with her children, and she had a fondness for elephants.
Her death was a significant loss to her family and community.
On the day of her death, Carlene Brannon was involved in a tragic incident that led to her murder. Daniel Lewis Willoughby Sr., a 68-year-old man from Rocky Point, was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with her death. The incident occurred at Willoughby's residence, where Carlene was outside arguing through a window with Willoughby's adult son. During the argument, Willoughby intervened, stating, "I am going to take care of this," and proceeded to walk onto the front porch with a firearm. He fired three pellets from a shotgun, two of which struck Carlene, with one pellet hitting her heart, resulting in her immediate death at the scene.
Following the incident, Daniel Lewis Willoughby Sr. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He was held in the Pender County Jail without bond. The case was brought to trial, and a jury found Willoughby guilty of second-degree murder. Superior Court Judge Kent Harrell sentenced him to serve between 16 and 21 years in prison. The tragic event and subsequent legal proceedings left a lasting impact on the Rocky Point community.
