Diamond Brooks Lee, a 39-year-old woman from Pikeville, NC, was found dead on March 27, 2019, alongside her 58-year-old mother, Mary Lee. Both women were discovered inside their home at 450 Perkins Road, having died from gunshot wounds to the chest. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office concluded their investigation, determining that the deaths were either a murder-suicide or a suicide pact, as no evidence suggested the involvement of a third party.
Diamond Brooks Lee had been emotionally
distressed for years following the suicide of her 15-year-old son, Kaleb Braswell, who died in the same home. Friends and family noted that she blamed herself for her son's death and had become increasingly paranoid, believing that people were watching her online. This emotional turmoil culminated in the tragic events of March 27, 2019.
The investigation revealed that a weapon was found at the scene, and a profanity-laced graffiti message was written on the door of the home. Diamond's boyfriend, Don Cook, called 911, reporting that she had locked herself in the bathroom and shot herself. He mentioned that her mother was also found dead inside the house.
Both women had been suffering from mental health issues and had sought help through social services. Despite their efforts, the emotional toll of losing a child proved too much for Diamond Brooks Lee. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office concluded that the only people who truly knew what happened were Diamond and her mother.
No arrests, suspects, or litigations were reported in connection with their deaths, as the investigation did not find any evidence of foul play beyond the possibility of a murder-suicide or suicide pact.
