Teresa Radford, a 51-year-old woman from Whitakers, NC, was tragically killed on May 21, 2011. The incident occurred at a friend's home in Nash County, where Teresa had been staying for about six weeks. Teresa was shot and killed by her estranged husband, James Radford, who was 63 years old at the time. James forced his way into the house at 116 Southwest Railroad St. and used a rifle to commit the crime. Teresa had taken out a restraining order against James, and she had been very nervous and upset in the weeks leading up to the incident.
James Radford's violent actions did not stop with Teresa. He also shot the homeowner, Martha Worrell, who was 55 years old, in the arm. Additionally, he attempted to shoot Shelton Whitaker, a friend of the women who was in a car in the driveway, but missed. After the shootings, James turned the gun on himself but survived. He was in critical condition at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville following the incident.
Following the attack, authorities planned to charge James Radford with first-degree murder, breaking and entering, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Teresa's niece, Billie Jo Arellano, described her as a wonderful lady who treated her like a sister or child, welcoming her into her home. The tragic event left the community mourning the loss of a kind and caring individual.
