Kathryn Brooke McCloud, a 25-year-old woman from Goldsboro, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on November 30, 2018. Kathryn, affectionately known as Katie, was born on December 5, 1992, in Goldsboro. She was a vibrant and outgoing individual, known for her contagious smile and free-spirited nature. Katie was a 2011 graduate of Southern Wayne High School, where she was actively involved in various activities, including the Saint Sound and the tennis team.
She was also crowned Little Miss North Carolina in 2001, showcasing her beauty and talent from a young age.
Katie's life was cut short in a tragic incident that occurred at her residence in Goldsboro. On the morning of November 30, 2018, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office received a distressing call from Katie's grandmother, who reported that her son, Steven Mark Mackie, had killed Katie and her boyfriend, Keith Evan Presnell. According to the reports, Mackie, who was 49 years old at the time, was believed to be bipolar and off his medications. He allegedly shot Katie and Keith, claiming that they were trying to kill him. The authorities found the bodies of Katie and Keith at the scene, with Katie's grandmother describing the scene as grim and filled with blood.
Steven Mark Mackie was taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder. He was held at the Wayne County Jail without bond. The investigation revealed that Mackie and an unidentified woman were present at the house during the incident. Both were taken to the sheriff's office for interviews, and Mackie was subsequently charged with the murders. The motive behind the killings was not immediately clear, but it was evident that Mackie's mental health played a significant role in the tragic event.
Katie's death left a profound impact on her family and friends, who remembered her as a shining light and a source of unconditional love and friendship. Her funeral service was held on December 5, 2018, which would have been her 26th birthday. The family requested that balloons be brought to the church for her service to be released at the conclusion, symbolizing the free spirit that Katie embodied throughout her life.
