CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies shot and killed a man in Wilkes County hours after they said he stabbed a woman to death in Caldwell County.
Detectives said Tracy Rash was stabbed Friday night at a home on Sycamore Court. Investigators said Thomas Billings used a knife to kill her before stealing her car.
Caldwell- deputies just confirmed a murder suspect has been shot and killed in Wilkes county by deputies there this weekend. Thomas Billings was accused of stabbing to death Tracy Rash after she had taken out a domestic violence order. Watch channel 9 for updates.
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) July 5, 2021
According to deputies, Rash had recently taken out a domestic violence restraining order against Billings, and authorities were actively trying to find him.
Early Saturday, just hours after the murder, deputies in Wilkes County found Billings in the Traphill community at a family members’ house.
Authorities said a deputy shot and killed Billings, who they said was holding what appeared to be a rifle and refused to put it down. It was later determined that the weapon was an air rifle.
Neighbors in Caldwell County told Channel 9 law enforcement had come to the Sycamore Court home in the past because of problems between the couple.
“I heard the little girl yelling, ‘Don’t hurt my momma, don’t hurt my momma.’ And I called them because I didn’t know what was going on,” said neighbor Regina Wilson.
“She would want everyone to know that if you’re in a domestic violence situation to please get out,” said another neighbor, who did not want to be identified. “Because now she has her three children, that she’s not here for, and she didn’t deserve to leave the way she did.”
Flowers and a small cross have been placed at an intersection about 75 yards from the home.
(WATCH BELOW: Local social workers create children’s book to help those who witness domestic violence)
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