Tammy Hannah, a 27-year-old woman from Magnolia, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on January 15, 2019. Tammy was found unresponsive in the front yard of her residence on Bonham Road, alongside 30-year-old Ever Espinoza, who had also been shot. Tammy succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while Espinoza was transported to Vidant Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his back and chest.
The suspect in this case, Lamir Elam, was identified and later apprehended. Elam, who was 28 years old at the time, had a history of criminal activity, including a recent conviction for breaking and entering. On the night of the incident, Elam arrived at the residence and an argument ensued between him, Tammy, and Espinoza. Both victims armed themselves, with Tammy holding a knife and Espinoza a sheet rock blade or a BB gun. Elam, however, was armed with a rifle and shot both victims before fleeing the scene.
Elam was later tracked down and arrested in Maryland with the assistance of the Maryland State Police. He was found driving a rental car containing ammunition matching the type used in the shooting. Despite the thorough investigation, the rifle used in the crime was never recovered.
In April 2023, Lamir Elam was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years and 2 months, and a maximum of 20 years and 8 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
