Richard Albert Santilli Jr., a 60-year-old male of Italian-American ethnicity, passed away on August 14, 2016, in Bolivia, North Carolina. He was born on July 3, 1956, and grew up in Somerville, New Jersey. Richard retired from Synopsys, Inc. in Durham, NC, and enjoyed spending his free time golfing and fishing. He is survived by his son, Eric Santilli.
The circumstances surrounding Richard's death were determined to be a murder-suicide.
On the morning of August 15, 2016, a concerned neighbor called 911 after being unable to reach Richard and his wife, Helen Ann Santilli, 54. When authorities arrived, they found Richard on the floor of his bedroom with a shotgun under his leg and Helen on the back porch with a gunshot wound to the head. Both Richard and Helen died from a single gunshot wound, and no third party was involved.
The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation and concluded that the incident was a murder-suicide. The investigation did not result in any arrests or suspects, as it was determined that Richard had taken his own life and then shot Helen.
This tragic event shook the peaceful community of Winding River Plantation, where the Santillis lived. Neighbors expressed disbelief and sorrow over the loss of the couple. The investigation was thorough, but no further information was released pending the results of autopsies.
Richard Santilli's death was a heartbreaking incident that left his family and friends in mourning. His legacy lives on through the memories and love shared by those who knew him.
