Della Leann Elberson, a 48-year-old woman from Thomasville, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on March 16, 2020. Della was a dedicated employee at the Cedar Lodge Market, where she worked diligently to support her family and community. On that fateful day, Della was in the parking lot of the grocery store when she encountered Robert William Stanford, a 71-year-old man from Lexington, North Carolina.
The two were reportedly acquainted, and during their conversation, Stanford produced a handgun and shot Della.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:03 a.m., and the Thomasville Police Department responded promptly to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found Della unresponsive in the northeast parking lot of the Cedar Lodge Market. Despite their efforts, Della was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Davidson County Medical Examiner.
Following the shooting, Stanford fled the scene in his 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. The police quickly identified Stanford as the lone shooter and tracked him to his residence on Mountain View Court in Lexington. When officers arrived at his home, they found Stanford in the driveway. As they attempted to speak with him, Stanford took his own life by shooting himself with a handgun.
The investigation into Della's death revealed that there were no other suspects involved in the incident. The Thomasville Police Department confirmed that Stanford acted alone and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Della Leann Elberson's death left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the Thomasville community. She was remembered as a hardworking and compassionate individual who touched the lives of many. Her passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
