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Description
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Phillip Lee Ingle: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Background

Phillip Lee Ingle was born on August 7, 1961, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. His early life was marked by significant challenges, including parental separation and instances of sexual abuse by a cousin. These traumatic experiences led to multiple psychiatric treatments in the late 1980s. Ingle also had a criminal record, having served time for breaking and entering, as well as assault in the early 1980s. He attempted suicide at a young age, indicating longstanding mental health issues.

The Murders

In 1991, Ingle committed a series of brutal murders targeting elderly couples in Cherryville, North Carolina.
  • July 1991: Ingle entered the home of William Fred Davis (68) and Margaret Davis (67), whom he knew from previous interactions. He bludgeoned Margaret in the kitchen with an axe handle and then attacked William in the den, killing both.
  • August 1991: Ingle broke into the home of E.Z. Willis (70) and Sarah Willis (67) through an unlatched window. Armed with a tire iron, he fatally attacked both. E.Z. attempted to defend himself with his cane, injuring Ingle in the process.

Victims

  • William Fred Davis - Age 68, murdered in July 1991 in Cherryville, North Carolina.
  • Margaret Davis - Age 67, murdered in July 1991 in Cherryville, North Carolina.
  • E.Z. Willis - Age 70, murdered in August 1991 in Cherryville, North Carolina.
  • Sarah Willis - Age 67, murdered in August 1991 in Cherryville, North Carolina.
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Fred Davis Age: (68), Date of Death: July 1991
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Links to Additional Sources (8)
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    Killer's Details

    Phillip Lee

    Ingle

    August 7, 1961 Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States

    September 22, 1995 (aged 34) Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

    Executed by lethal injection

    Male

    First degree murder (x4), First degree burglary, Breaking and entering, Assault

    Death

    4

    1991

    North Carolina

    Central Prison

    07/03/2025