Oak Island man pleads guilty in girlfriend’s murder

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County man has pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend in 2022.

Kevin Vaughan, 57, pleaded to second-degree murder on Monday for the death of his girlfriend, Tina Carlton. Judge Jason Disbrow sentenced Vaughan to between 16 and 20 years in prison.

The charges stem from an incident on October 1, 2022, when Oak Island Police officers found Carlton dead in her home. The discovery was made after receiving a 911 call from a woman who reported that Vaughan had contacted her, admitting he had killed his girlfriend.

Upon arrival, officers found Vaughan outside Carlton’s home, appearing to enter his truck. He was covered in blood. Vaughan complied with officers’ orders and stated that Carlton was dead inside the home. Officers found her lying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds. Investigators determined that a broken liquor bottle had been used in the attack.

The investigation revealed that Carlton and Vaughan had been drinking earlier that evening at a local bar before an altercation occurred. Carlton was found by police in the nearby woods but was taken home by a neighbor around midnight. A second altercation later took place at the home, resulting in Carlton’s death.

During the sentencing hearing, Carlton’s family, including her mother, sister, and three daughters, spoke about her love for life, her devotion to family, and her selflessness. Vaughan also addressed the family, apologizing for his actions.