Benny Earl Burney Sr., a 67-year-old man from Morehead City, North Carolina, tragically passed away on May 26, 2017, at his home. He was a loving husband to Debbie S. Burney and a father to three daughters: Christy Yost, Hope Howard, and Michelle Obarr. Benny also had a close-knit family with two brothers, James Burney and Billy Burney, and two sisters, Emma Jean Coleman and Sandy Coleman.
His passing was mourned by his grandchildren, Cassie Obarr, Sophie Novonglosky, and Sammy Novonglosky.
The circumstances surrounding Benny Burney Sr.'s death were particularly tragic. On the night of his death, his son, 33-year-old Benny "Buddy" Burney Jr., fatally shot him before taking his own life. The incident occurred in front of Burney Jr.'s wife and Burney Sr.'s wife, Debbie, who were not physically harmed. Authorities determined that Burney Jr. suffered from extreme mental illness, but no specific motive for the shooting was identified.
The Carteret County Deputies and Morehead City Police responded to the scene around 10:30 p.m. on May 26, 2017, after receiving reports of threats made by Burney Jr. Upon arrival, they found Benny Burney Sr. deceased and Burney Jr. barricaded inside the residence. Burney Jr. ultimately shot himself before police could safely enter the home.
This heartbreaking event was classified as a murder-suicide, and no further arrests or litigations were pursued as Burney Jr. was deceased. The investigation concluded that the younger Burney's mental health issues were a significant factor in the tragic incident.
Benny Burney Sr.'s death left a profound impact on his family and the community, and his memory is honored by those who knew and loved him.
