Dominique Nicole Privette, a 23-year-old woman from Wilson, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on December 24, 2016. Dominique, along with her fiancé Paul Shane Pearce, was found dead in their home on Banks Lane East, just east of Wilson. The incident, which also claimed the lives of Tammy Lynette Pearce, 54, and Selby Gene Outland, 47, was reported to the authorities by a family member who discovered the bodies.
The victims were all residents of the same home.
The investigation into the quadruple homicide revealed that the victims were shot, with the crime occurring late on Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning. Despite extensive efforts by the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, the motive behind the killings remains undetermined. The authorities have conducted numerous interviews and followed various leads, but no suspect information has been released.
In the years following the murders, the case has seen significant developments. Initially, Dereck Eugene Harris, a 31-year-old man, was charged with the murders. However, in February 2020, the charges against Harris were dismissed due to witnesses changing their statements, avoiding subpoenas, and not showing up for court. The dismissal was without prejudice, meaning that the charges could be reinstated if sufficient evidence is found.
The families of the victims, including Dominique's father, Kenneth Privette, and her sister, Jennifer Privette, have expressed their frustration and sorrow over the lack of closure. They continue to hope for justice and the conviction of the right person responsible for the heinous crime. The case remains unsolved, and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office continues to work on all leads to bring justice to the victims and their families.