Jennifer Summers, a 45-year-old woman from Clayton, NC, tragically lost her life on November 23, 2015. Jennifer, who was born on March 8, 1970, in Portsmouth, VA, was a dedicated educator and a loving mother to her two sons, Cameron Michael Summers and Beau Michael Summers. She was known for her optimism and her ability to light up a room with her presence.
Jennifer's death was a result of a murder-suicide incident involving her husband, Michael Summers.
On the evening of November 23, 2015, Jennifer and Michael Summers got into an argument at their home on Bentley Way in Clayton. During the altercation, Michael, who was 46 years old, shot and killed Jennifer before turning the gun on himself. The couple's two sons, aged 16 and 11 at the time, were present during the argument but left the home and called 911 after the shooting occurred.
Prior to the tragic incident, Jennifer had filed a restraining order against Michael in May 2015 following a violent confrontation. In the restraining order, Jennifer described how Michael had used "full force" on her cheek in front of their children. Michael, a lifelong hunter, kept rifles and a handgun in their home. The restraining order was later dismissed, and Michael subsequently filed for custody of their children.
In the days following the murder-suicide, the couple's home was broken into. A relative discovered that someone had cut wires in the utility meter box in an attempt to disable the alarm system and forced open the back door. However, no items were reported missing from the home.
Jennifer Summers' death was a devastating loss for her family and the community. Her memorial service was held on November 29, 2015, at the McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton, where friends and family gathered to honor her memory.
