Betty Diane Sexton, a 43-year-old woman from Gastonia, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on February 17, 2015. The incident occurred when she called the police to her home on Union Road to help remove unwanted guests. During the confrontation, Betty was reportedly holding an old musket, which she had grabbed from the closet. The police officer, LaDoniqua Neely, who responded to the call, allegedly shot Betty in the chest.
Betty was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The incident sparked an investigation, and Officer Neely was placed on administrative leave while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough review of the case. The family of Betty Diane Sexton claimed that she was in the process of putting the musket down when the officer fired the fatal shot. This tragic event marked the second time in two weeks that the Gastonia police force had fatally shot someone while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
The investigation into Betty Diane Sexton's death revealed that she had called 911 for assistance, hoping to get help in removing the unwanted guests from her home. However, the situation escalated, leading to the fatal shooting. The incident drew significant attention from the media and the public, with friends and relatives of Betty paying tribute to her on social media platforms. The case highlighted concerns about police response to domestic disturbances and the use of force in such situations.
Betty Diane Sexton's death remains a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers when responding to domestic calls. The investigation into the incident aimed to provide clarity and accountability, ensuring that justice was served for Betty and her family.
