15-Year-Old Charged In Triple Homicide In Harnett County

HARNETT COUNTY — A 15-year-old has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder after a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of three family members Tuesday afternoon near Lillington.

According to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was placed at 5:18 p.m. by a 10-year-old child from inside the home at 19 Kentucky Derby Lane. The child reported that multiple family members had been shot.

When deputies and emergency crews arrived, they found Danny Richards, 57, and his wife, Sabrina Richards, 54, dead at the scene. A third victim, 74-year-old Clara Richards, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The 10-year-old caller was not physically harmed.

Investigators quickly identified a 15-year-old male — the nephew of Danny and Sabrina Richards — as a suspect. Authorities say the teen had fled the scene in a vehicle, which was later found abandoned in a wooded area near Highway 87 and Nursery Road.

A search ensued, and around 11:00 p.m., deputies located the teen in the woods and he was taken into custody.

The 15 year-old has been charged on juvenile petitions with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his uncle, aunt and grandmother. He is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility.

Officials have not released a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office says more information will be released as it becomes available.