On February 4, 2023, at approximately 1:14 p.m., deputies from the Pitt County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Lexington Downs Drive in Greenville, North Carolina, following reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered 44-year-old Dr. Heather Elaine Davenport Small and her husband, 62-year-old William Oscar Small, deceased from gunshot wounds. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry, leading investigators to suspect a murder-suicide.
Autopsy results revealed that Heather had been shot four times, with two fatal shots to the chest fired from a distance, indicating she could not have inflicted the wounds herself. William sustained two close-range gunshot wounds to the chest, consistent with self-inflicted injuries. Further investigation uncovered a two-decade history of domestic violence, with William repeatedly arrested for offenses against Heather.
Both individuals had backgrounds in law enforcement. William served as a Greenville police officer from 1994 to 2000, and Heather was an officer with the now-disbanded Pitt County Memorial Hospital Police Department from 1998 to 2006.
Born on March 7, 1978, Heather was the eldest of two children to Tim and Kathy Davenport. She was a devoted mother to her children: Elijah Rayon Davenport, Essence Ciara Heckstall, William Jaden Small, Aaliyah Chanel Small, and Amiyah Faith Small. Funeral services were held on February 19, 2023, at Plymouth Church of Christ, where family and friends gathered to honor her memory.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support the couple's children, reflecting the community's effort to provide assistance during this difficult time.
This incident underscores the severe impact of domestic violence, even among those with professional backgrounds in law enforcement. Authorities continue to urge individuals experiencing domestic abuse to seek help, emphasizing the availability of resources dedicated to providing support and intervention.
For those affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, offering confidential support and resources.
