In the quiet town of Galax, Virginia, a tragedy unfolded that would leave the community in shock. Karen Cates, a 41-year-old White/Caucasian woman, found her life cut short in a violent encounter on March 20, 2016. The harrowing events of that day took place in her own home on Terri Lane, a place that should have been her sanctuary.
In the early morning hours, around 1:30 a.m., Karen's estranged boyfriend, Greyling 'Beany' Davis, reportedly knocked on her door, violating a protective
order that was in place to keep her safe. Later that morning, he returned and forced his way into the residence at gunpoint. Inside at the time was Karen and a man named David Patton. Davis proceeded to shoot both of them.
Following the brutal assault, both Karen and David Patton were grievously wounded. While Patton was treated for his injuries at Twin County Hospital and later released, Karen's wounds were far more severe. She was transported to Wake Forest University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries and passed away.
The search for Greyling 'Beany' Davis ended in Alleghany County, North Carolina, after he led deputies on a car chase that resulted in a crash. He was taken into custody and faced a multitude of charges in Grayson County, including first-degree murder, for his role in the death of Karen Cates and the assault on David Patton. The incident served as a stark and tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
