Local Couple, Business Owners Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide

FOUR OAKS – A Four Oaks couple known for operating local Mexican restaurants in Sampson and Harnett counties were found dead Wednesday evening in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at a residence on Grants Way, off Lassiter Road, around 7:23 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of a man and a woman inside the living quarters of a shed located behind the home.

Investigators have identified the deceased as Hector Cruz, 49, and his wife Norma Mendoza, 47. According to the Sheriff’s Office, it appears Cruz fatally shot Mendoza before turning the gun on himself.

Cruz and Mendoza were the owners of at least two Mexican restaurants in the area, and were well-known within the local business community. Their sudden deaths have left friends, customers, and neighbors shocked and grieving.

Detectives remained on the scene for several hours Wednesday night. Authorities have not released additional details, and the case remains under investigation.

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This story has been updated