Officials investigating after two are found dead at home in New Hanover County; possibly a murder-suicide

SILVER LAKE, N.C. (WECT) - The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two people were found dead at a home on 302 Horn Road in Silver Lake on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Law enforcement confirmed Thursday the two people found in the home were Heather Grant and her boyfriend, Ashford Jones. They believe the case to be an instance of domestic violence.

“On November 30, 2022, Deputies responded to 302 Horn Rd for a check welfare call for the resident who failed to show up for work. Once inside the home, the Deputies located two people deceased,” said the NHCSO in a release.

According to authorities, they are investigating the case as a murder/suicide. Both had fatal gunshot wounds.

“This is an ongoing investigation, if anyone has any information on the investigation please contact the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 910-798-4162, https://www.newhanoversheriff.com/submit-a-crime-tip/ or on the NHSO APP.” wrote the NHCSO.

A GoFundMe has been organized for Grant’s family, which can be found here.

This comes just a day before new laws went into effect to better protect victims of domestic violence and prosecute abusers. As of Dec. 1, those laws allow more DNA sampling in convicted domestic violence offenders and give judges more authority to extend protective orders before they expire.

In Wilmington, the local Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., is constantly developing new ways to support victims in need of help. Direct Services and Outreach Director Mandy Houvouras said efforts, from legislative changes to local efforts, are important to support survivors and hold abusers accountable.

“Ultimately, what I think is most important is holding offenders accountable. Victims do not choose to be victims, and it’s very complicated and dangerous to leave an abusive relationship,” Houvouras said. “Thankfully, we’re able to provide services and support to help people with that, but at the end of the day the way you stop domestic violence is by holding offenders accountable and placing the blame on them.”

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