Norma Merales Mendoza, 47, a Hispanic/Latina woman from Four Oaks, North Carolina, was found dead alongside her husband after deputies conducted a welfare check at their residence on Grants Way the evening of September 4, 2025. Preliminary findings by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Norma Merales Mendoza, 47, died from gunfire and that the incident was an apparent murder-suicide. Local outlets identified her as one of two people discovered deceased on the property during that welfare check.
Authorities identified the other deceased person as her spouse, Hector Cruz, 49, also reported as Hector Manuel Meraz-Cruz in advocacy tracking, and said the early investigation indicated he shot Norma Merales Mendoza, 47, before taking his own life. Reports described the couple as well known locally for operating Mexican restaurants in neighboring counties, a detail that deepened the shock felt in the community after the discovery.
Public memorial listings and remembrances circulated soon after, confirming the identity and age of Norma Merales Mendoza, 47, and placing her death in early September in Four Oaks. Gun violence archives specific to individual victims likewise recorded that Norma Merales Mendoza, 47, was lost to gunfire on September 4, 2025, in Four Oaks.
No arrests were made. With the alleged shooter deceased at the scene, law enforcement characterized the case as a murder-suicide and did not announce any search for additional suspects. As of the reports published in early September 2025, investigators had not indicated the involvement of anyone else.
