Holiday murder investigations continue in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Investigators did not have time to rest this holiday in Columbus County. There were two murders near Tabor City over the holiday: one Christmas Eve, and another one Christmas day.

Just after 1 a.m. Monday, deputies found 46-year-old Rebecca Ann Buffkin, dead in her home. Buffkin’s boyfriend, Beamon Fowler, 60, call 911, and when deputies arrived he said he killed Buffkin.

One neighbor, who knew the pair well, says while the news is troubling, it is not surprising.

“I know he drank a lot, and she didn’t really like that when he went up there,” Hilary Britt said. “I think that probably triggered him to do it. I mean, I don’t think he remembers it.”

Fowler is being held in the columbus county jail without bond.

Investigators are also still looking for the killers of Gilberto Antonio Segovia. He was found shot to death outside of his home near Tabor City early Christmas morning.

Anyone with information in either case is asked to call the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.