On August 27, 2024, 27-year-old Henry Dwayne Stone was found deceased from a gunshot wound at a residence on Blackberry Lane in Sanford, North Carolina. Responding to a call at approximately 7:40 a.m., Lee County Sheriff's deputies discovered Stone unresponsive at the scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of 54-year-old Gilbert Delano Stone, who resided at the Blackberry Lane address. He was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victim and suspect are related, despite sharing the same last name. Gilbert Stone was taken into custody and held without bond at the Lee County Jail.
Henry Stone was born on June 14, 1997, and was known for his love of fishing and his protective nature toward his siblings. He was employed at Caterpillar, where he formed many friendships. He is survived by his parents, Joyce Carol Thomas Stone and Samuel Wayne Stone, as well as his siblings and extended family. A funeral service was held on September 8, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home in Broadway, followed by burial at Southside Baptist Church Cemetery.
In the wake of this tragedy, Henry's mother, Joyce Thomas, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, expressing the family's deep grief and seeking support for a proper burial.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Henry Stone's death remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information to understand the events leading up to the shooting.
