On May 10, 2024, 45-year-old Brenda Faye Acklin was fatally shot in Macclesfield, North Carolina. Deputies from the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting on Wooten Road. While en route, they were informed that the victim had moved to Otter Creek Church Road. Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel were performing life-saving measures on Acklin; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that 51-year-old Preston Leano Diggs Jr. was present with Acklin at the time of the incident. Authorities questioned Diggs regarding the events leading up to the shooting. Following an autopsy, Acklin's death was officially ruled a homicide. Subsequently, on May 15, 2024, Diggs was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Acklin's death. He is currently being held at the Edgecombe County Detention Center without bond.
The community of Macclesfield was deeply affected by Acklin's tragic death. A public viewing was held on May 24, 2024, at Rountree Family Mortuary & Cremation Service in Greenville, North Carolina, followed by a Celebration of Life Service on May 25, 2024, at Conetoe Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Conetoe, North Carolina. Acklin was laid to rest in Council Cemetery in Bethel, North Carolina.
As of now, no further details have been released regarding the motive behind the shooting or the relationship between Acklin and Diggs. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed any additional information about the case. The community continues to mourn the loss of Acklin as they await further developments in the legal proceedings against Diggs.
