On May 24, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Statesville, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of 36-year-old Brandi Delia Goolsby, her husband, 39-year-old Nicholas Goolsby, and their roommate, 26-year-old Simone Octavia Williams. The Statesville Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:19 a.m. in the 100 block of Bunker Hill Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered Williams deceased on a neighbor's front porch, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
Witnesses identified Nicholas Goolsby as the shooter who, after attacking Williams, retreated to his residence. Law enforcement swiftly established a perimeter around the home, with assistance from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Utilizing a search robot, authorities located a 10-month-old child unharmed on the first floor, who was subsequently rescued and placed into family custody. Further investigation led to the discovery of Brandi and Nicholas Goolsby deceased in an upstairs bedroom. Evidence indicated that Nicholas fatally shot his wife before taking his own life, constituting a murder-suicide.
Both Brandi Goolsby and Simone Williams were dedicated social workers. Williams, a 2015 graduate of Rocky River High School, held a Master's degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University and was a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. The infant found at the scene was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later released into the care of family members. The Statesville Police Department extended condolences to the families involved and expressed gratitude to assisting agencies for their support during the investigation.
This tragic event underscores the profound impact of domestic violence within communities, highlighting the necessity for awareness, support systems, and preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
