Catherine McCutcheon, a 40-year-old white female, tragically lost her life on July 27, 2012, in Winton, North Carolina. Catherine, who served as the Director of Nursing at Roanoke-Chowan Community College , was shot and killed by her estranged husband, James William McCutcheon Jr., in a murder-suicide incident. The couple's five-year-old daughter was also shot but survived the ordeal.
The incident occurred as Catherine and her uncle were moving her belongings out of her residence.
James, aged 56, confronted Catherine and an argument ensued. During the confrontation, James shot Catherine in the chest and their daughter in the side before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide with a shot to the head.
Catherine had recently resigned from her position at RCCC, citing personal reasons. Her resignation came just two days before the tragic event. The news of her death left the RCCC community in shock and mourning. Catherine was remembered as an intelligent and accomplished individual who had a significant positive impact on her students and colleagues.
The investigation revealed that the couple was separated and living in different residences. Catherine's uncle, who was present during the incident, was unharmed and managed to call for help. The authorities arrived to find both adults deceased and the child injured. The child was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville for treatment.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, RCCC planned to honor Catherine's memory with an on-campus memorial service and considered establishing a scholarship in her daughter's name. Additionally, there were discussions about creating a domestic violence institute on campus to educate and provide interventions for those affected by partner abuse.
