On April 8, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., deputies from the Carteret County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported disturbance at a residence on Hedrick Boulevard in Morehead City, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 47-year-old Jaime Hicks Long deceased inside the home from apparent gunshot wounds. Her husband, 39-year-old David Wayne Long, was found in a backyard shed suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was transported to Carteret Health Care, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Investigators determined that David Long fatally shot his wife, Jaime, before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide. The couple had been married for several years, and no prior reports of domestic disturbances at their residence were noted. The motive behind this tragic incident remains unclear, as authorities did not find any indication of a struggle or external involvement.
Born on February 3, 1976, in Lexington, Kentucky, Jaime was serving as the Human Resources Director for Carteret County at the time of her death. She brought over 23 years of valuable human resource experience to the county from both the private and public sectors. During her tenure, Jaime led numerous initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining top employees to serve the citizens of Carteret County. She was responsible for recruitment and hiring, health benefits, labor relations, contract negotiations, as well as workers' compensation. Recently, she instituted a county leadership management training program designed to proactively develop employees and provide them with new learning experiences. The first graduating class of this program was in March 2023.
Jaime was also deeply involved in the local community, particularly with the Carteret Community Theatre, where she was affectionately known as one of the "theatre moms." Her contributions and presence will be profoundly missed by her colleagues, friends, and family.
A funeral service was held on April 13, 2023, at Glad Tidings Church in Morehead City, officiated by Pastor Freddie Braswell. The family received friends on the evening of April 12 at the same location. Jaime is survived by her parents, James and Janet Hicks; her daughter, whose name has been withheld for privacy; and other extended family members.
This tragic event has left the Morehead City community in mourning, highlighting the often-hidden struggles within domestic settings. Local authorities and support organizations urge individuals facing domestic challenges to seek help, emphasizing the availability of resources for those in need.
For those affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, offering confidential support and resources.
