Elvira Hernandez, a 17-year-old Hispanic female, was tragically shot and killed on May 10, 2007, in front of her home in Bunn, North Carolina. Elvira, a junior at Bunn High School, had just gotten off the school bus and was heading towards her home when she was confronted by her estranged boyfriend, Christopher Steven Thomas, 20, of Louisburg. Thomas, who also went by the name Christopher Harris, had a history of violence against Elvira. He had previously threatened her, and an arrest warrant had been issued against him a week prior to the incident. However, deputies had been unable to locate him to serve the warrant.
On that fateful day, Thomas was waiting in a car when Elvira arrived. As she ran towards her front porch, Thomas jumped out of the car, which continued rolling down the driveway. He then shot Elvira in the back with a shotgun, causing her to fall to the ground. Thomas approached her and shot her point-blank, resulting in her death on the front steps of her home. Inside the house were Elvira's aunt and the couple's 2-year-old son.
Following the shooting, Thomas attempted to enter the house but was unable to do so. He then turned the shotgun on himself, inflicting severe injuries. Initially, it was reported that Thomas was airlifted to Duke University Hospital, but he was later taken to WakeMed, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.
Thomas was subsequently charged with first-degree murder for the death of Elvira Hernandez. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree kidnapping, resulting in a 24-year prison sentence. Prosecutors decided not to seek a life sentence due to Thomas' suicide attempt, which left him with significant injuries.
Elvira Hernandez was remembered as a quiet and wonderful young lady by her school administrators and peers. She was a straight-A student who had plans to graduate early and attend college. The tragic loss of such a promising student left the community in mourning, and grief counselors were made available at Bunn High School to help students cope with the loss.
