Vernon Eugene Dale, a 46-year-old male from Morganton, North Carolina, passed away on December 21, 2017. He was born on October 26, 1971, in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Glenn Robert Dale and Carrie Mae Cox Dale. Vernon was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He was a loving father and brother, survived by his brother Jerome Dale, and his children Trevor Dale, Abigail Dale, and Isaac Dale.
The family held a memorial service on January 4, 2018, at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.
The circumstances surrounding Vernon's death were tragic. On December 21, 2017, Vernon was shot in the head and killed by his girlfriend's mother in what was claimed to be an act of self-defense. The incident occurred at the Shady Acres Mobile Home Park on U.S. Highway 64 in Morganton. Authorities reported that there were three adults, including Vernon, and two small children in the home at the time of the shooting.
Vernon had been arrested the day before his death for assault by pointing a gun and communicating threats. After being released from jail, he returned to the home where he got into a fight with his girlfriend and her mother. During the altercation, the mother shot Vernon once in the head, claiming she feared for her life. Neighbors reported hearing a single shot around 1 a.m. on the day of the incident.
The district attorney reviewed the evidence, including two 9mm handguns seized from the home, and ruled the shooting as justifiable self-defense. As a result, no charges were filed against the mother. The incident left a lasting impact on the community, with neighbors expressing sadness over the loss and the circumstances that led to Vernon's death.
