Neighbor reacts to homicide of Whiteville mother

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Many in the city of Whiteville are trying to grapple with the loss of a mother who was murdered this week.  

On Tuesday, Whiteville Police responded to the Covey Run Apartments for a welfare check. They were checking on Terri Lashay Thompson after she didn’t pick up her two kids from school. 

Inside the apartment, they found Thompson dead.  

On Thursday, police arrested 52-year-old Anthony Sumpter of Horry County in connection to Thompson’s death. 

Sumpter was charged with first-degree murder and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina. 

Deeasia McCray lives near the victim’s home. 

She says while she didn’t know Thompson personally, she hopes her kids and family can find peace during this time. 

“I’ve been living here for like six years, so it was a little scary knowing somebody was shot here, but I’m just sorry for her loss and hopefully her kids and her family is doing great,” McCray said. 

At this time, police have not released a motive for the murder. Sumpter is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County.