Barbara Ann Evans

Serial Killer

Barbara Ann Evans: The Iredell County Double-Homicide Case

Overview

Barbara Ann Evans became the central suspect in one of the most disturbing murder investigations in Iredell County, North Carolina, after two older married couples were shot to death in their homes during 2005. The killings occurred nearly eight months apart and initially appeared to be separate crimes. Investigators eventually concluded that the two cases were connected, and in July 2006 Evans, then 65, was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Evans is sometimes described as a suspected serial killer because authorities accused her of killing four people in two separate attacks. That description requires an important qualification: Evans was never convicted of any of the murders. She maintained her innocence, and the criminal case against her never reached a trial. Several years after her arrest, prosecutors dismissed the charges after a judge determined that Evans suffered from dementia, was incapable of standing trial, and was unlikely to regain competency. The allegations against her therefore were never tested before a jury.

The Murders of James and Delet Powell

The first double homicide occurred in January 2005 in the rural Union Grove area of Iredell County. James Powell and his wife, Delet Reid Powell, lived in a brick home on West Memorial Highway. James was a former convenience-store owner who was well known in the community and enjoyed restoring old automobiles, particularly vintage Fords. The Powells were last known to be alive on the evening of Thursday, January 20. At approximately 9:30 the following morning, January 21, their daughter stopped at the house to check on them. She discovered both of her parents inside the kitchen. Investigators initially released few details while the deaths were examined, but autopsies performed the next morning established that James and Delet had both been shot. Investigators found firearms belonging to the Powells inside the residence, but authorities said those weapons were not believed to have been used in the murders. Detectives began interviewing relatives, friends and acquaintances and attempted to reconstruct the hours between the couple's last known contact Thursday evening and the discovery of their bodies Friday morning. Officers later established a roadblock on N.C. 901 to locate motorists who might have noticed suspicious vehicles or activity around the Powell residence. The lack of an obvious explanation for the murders troubled investigators. James and Delet were regarded by friends and neighbors as helpful, well-liked people, and Sheriff Phil Redmond publicly said he knew of no serious problems the couple had with anyone. The investigation continued for months without an arrest. ...

Confirmed Victims: (0)
Suspected Victims:

James Powell Age: (74), Date of Death: January 21, 2005

Ruth Delet Powell Age: (71), Date of Death: January 21, 2005

Donald Barker Age: (62), Date of Death: September 15, 2005

Susan Barker Age: (63), Date of Death: September 15, 2005

65-year-old woman accused in shooting deaths of two North ... - WIS