Brittany Fullwood, a 34-year-old woman from Wilmington, North Carolina, was tragically found dead in her home on April 25, 2017. Fullwood, who was a single mother, was discovered with a gunshot wound to her face. The investigation revealed that she had been in a past relationship with the accused killer, William Bernicki, a 48-year-old man. Bernicki was found nearby with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face.
The incident occurred at Fullwood's residence on Woods Edge
Road. According to court documents, Charles Herzig, who lived "off and on" at the home, saw Bernicki heading towards the house and texted Fullwood to warn her. Herzig returned to the house and witnessed Bernicki inside with a shotgun. Shortly after, he heard gunshots but did not see either subject get shot.
Bernicki was charged with first-degree murder and was held without bail. He was taken to Central Prison in Raleigh for additional medical treatment due to his severe injuries from the self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that Bernicki had burst into Fullwood's home and gunned her down while her 3-year-old son was nearby, though the child was unharmed.
In December 2018, Bernicki was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning the guilty verdict. The prosecution argued that Fullwood's struggles with addiction had led her into a relationship with Bernicki, who ultimately became her killer.
