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Debra Ann Harris Royal

Death by Force
Case Description
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Debra Ann Harris Royal, a 49-year-old woman from Thurmond, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed on July 9, 2018. The incident occurred at her residence on 440 Center Lane in Thurmond. Debra was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound when deputies arrived at the scene. The Wilkes County Sheriff's Office arrested Timmy Dale Bates, a 53-year-old man who was living with Debra at the time of the shooting. Bates was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

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Links to Additional Sources (4)
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  • WXII: Man charged with fatally shooting Wilkes County woman
  • myfox8.com: Man charged in shooting death of woman in Wilkes County
    •     ...View 2 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Debra Ann Harris Royal

    Female

    White / Caucasian

    Thurmond

    NC

    2018-07-09

    49

    Debra

    Ann Harris Royal

    11/06/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I’ve been following Debra Ann Harris Royal’s case, and I find myself thinking a lot about how in... ...Read More
    09/06/2024
    I keep thinking about the impact this must have had on Debra's family, especially her daughter Britt... ...Read More
    08/31/2023
    Was anyone else deeply unsettled by how the shotgun was handled in this case? While it’s definitel... ...Read More
    02/07/2023
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