Daphine Nicole Tanner, a 41-year-old woman from Pembroke, NC, tragically lost her life on November 7, 2014. She was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Leonard John Patten, 40, at her home on McMillan Road. The incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m., and Tanner was pronounced dead while on the way to the hospital. Patten then turned the gun on himself and was taken to an undisclosed hospital in critical condition.
The confrontation began when Patten arrived at Tanner's home and had an altercation
with another man present at the scene. After shooting Tanner, Patten shot himself in the head. The second man's identity and any injuries he might have sustained were not disclosed by the authorities. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office took over the investigation, but no further details were released regarding any arrests or ongoing litigation related to the case.
The tragic event left the community in shock, and Tanner's funeral was held at Prospect United Methodist Church in Pembroke. The case drew significant media attention due to the nature of the crime and the subsequent actions of Patten. However, no additional suspects were identified, and the investigation concluded with Patten's self-inflicted injuries.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in potentially dangerous situations. Tanner's death has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the community of Pembroke, NC.
