Man sentenced to 20 to 25 years in 2025 murder of Whiteville mother

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A man initially charged with first-degree murder has been sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge in the 2025 death of a Whiteville mother.

Anthony Cory Sumpter pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in Columbus County Superior Court, according to court records.

Superior Court Judge C. Ashley Gore sentenced Sumpter to a minimum of 240 months and a maximum of 300 months in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. He received credit for 510 days already spent in custody.

The case stems from the April 15, 2025, death of Terri Lashay Thompson.

Whiteville police responded to the Covey Run Apartments that day for a welfare check after Thompson did not pick up her two children from school. Officers found Thompson dead inside her apartment.

Two days later, police arrested Sumpter in Horry County, South Carolina, in connection with Thompson’s death. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center before being returned to North Carolina.

Court records show Sumpter ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder, a Class B1 felony.

At the time of Sumpter’s arrest, police had not released a motive in Thompson’s death.

Sumpter was represented by attorney Jason David Minnicozzi. Courtney N. Sanford represented the state.

The case was listed as disposed following Monday’s plea and sentencing.