Lorene Potter Simpson, a 54-year-old woman from Pineville, North Carolina, was found dead on the night of July 11, 2016. The Pineville police responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting inside a home. Upon arrival, officers discovered Simpson's body. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Mark Peter O'Dell from Midland, North Carolina, was found at the scene with self-inflicted injuries. He was immediately transported to a local hospital in Charlotte, where he remained in stable condition.
The police determined that Simpson knew O'Dell, and this was not a random act of violence. O'Dell was a recent ex-boyfriend of Simpson. The authorities obtained warrants for O'Dell's arrest, charging him with Simpson's murder and burglary. The investigation revealed that the incident was an attempted murder-suicide. O'Dell's relationship with Simpson had ended recently, which likely contributed to the tragic events of that night.
The investigation into Simpson's death is ongoing, and no additional suspects are being sought. The Pineville police have urged anyone with further information to contact their Criminal Investigation Division. Simpson's death has left a significant impact on her community, as she was a long-time employee of the US Postal Service and a graduate of Northside Christian Academy and Pfeiffer University.
