North Carolina homeowners fatally shot an intruder who was attempting to break into their home with an axe on Mother’s Day morning, leaving authorities to determine if the deadly force was justified.
At a Glance
- David Bradley White was shot and killed while allegedly attempting to break into a Duplin County home armed with an axe
- The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day) on Sheffield Road
- Deputies found White dead with multiple gunshot wounds at the bottom of the back steps with an axe and other weapons nearby
- The homeowners were uninjured and have not been charged as the investigation continues
- The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and district attorney reviewed evidence before deciding not to file charges against the homeowners
Deadly Home Invasion Attempt
A Mother’s Day morning in rural North Carolina turned deadly when homeowners confronted an armed intruder attempting to break into their residence. According to reports from the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, at a home on Sheffield Road. The alleged intruder, identified as David Bradley White, was shot multiple times by the occupants after he reportedly tried to force entry into the home while armed with an axe and other weapons.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found White deceased outside the residence. A sheriff’s office press release detailed that White was found “lying on his back at the bottom of some steps with multiple gunshot wounds.” Authorities also noted significant evidence of the attempted break-in, including damage to the back door of the home.
A man was fatally shot by a homeowner after Duplin County authorities say he was attempting to break into the homeowner's residence with an axe.https://t.co/cNyIsoGtfC
— News 12 (@wcti12) May 12, 2025
Evidence of Armed Intrusion
The investigation revealed concerning details about the alleged break-in attempt. According to official statements, “Deputies also observed a large axe and other weapons near White’s body and damage to the back door.” This physical evidence appears to support the homeowners’ account that they were facing an imminent threat when they discharged their firearms. The presence of weapons and damage to the entry point of the home provide critical context for authorities evaluating the circumstances of the shooting.
“Deputies also observed a large axe and other weapons near White’s body and damage to the back door.”, said Duplin County Sheriff’s Office press release.
The incident took place near Magnolia, a small town located approximately one hour east of Fayetteville, close to Interstate 40. The rural setting likely meant that the homeowners needed to rely on their own resources for immediate protection, as law enforcement response times can be longer in such areas. Fortunately, the homeowners themselves were not injured during the confrontation.
Legal Determination
After a preliminary investigation, including interviews with the homeowners and examination of physical evidence, law enforcement officials made a significant decision regarding potential charges. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with the district attorney, determined that no immediate charges would be filed against the homeowners who fired the fatal shots. However, authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
North Carolina law generally recognizes the right of homeowners to defend themselves against intruders who pose an imminent threat. The presence of weapons and evidence of forced entry typically strengthen a self-defense claim in such cases. While the decision not to file charges indicates authorities believe the homeowners acted within their rights, the continued investigation suggests officials are being thorough in gathering all relevant facts before making a final determination about the legality of the defensive action.
