In the quiet, close-knit Trotter’s Ridge neighborhood, nestled between the small towns of Lillington and Spout Springs in Harnett County, North Carolina, a celebration turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on the evening of August 12, 2025. What began as a joyful gathering to honor a beloved wife and mother’s birthday ended in gunfire, leaving a community in shock and mourning. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office is now piecing together the events of a fateful night that claimed two lives and left another hanging in the balance, as a young suspect remains at the center of an ongoing investigation.
At approximately 5:18 p.m., deputies raced to a residence on Kentucky Derby Lane, a serene street about eight miles northwest of Anderson Creek, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they encountered a grim scene: three individuals had been struck by gunfire. Two victims, identified by family members as Bishop Danny Richards and his wife, Sabrina Richards, were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple, married for nearly three decades, were cherished figures in their community, known for their warmth and frequent visits to downtown Fayetteville, where they enjoyed dining and connecting with friends. Sabrina, a proud graduate of Douglas Byrd High School, had been celebrating her birthday just hours before the tragedy unfolded, surrounded by loved ones in what should have been a moment of joy.
A third victim, whose identity and condition remain undisclosed as of late Tuesday night, was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The uncertainty surrounding their fate adds another layer of sorrow to an already devastating event. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that this was an isolated incident, with no active shooter threat lingering, but the wounds left on the community are far from healed.
As investigators combed through the residence, a chilling detail emerged: the suspected shooter was a juvenile, reportedly a relative of the victims. Authorities believe the teen fled the scene in a gray truck shortly after the shooting, sparking a tense manhunt that gripped the area. By late Tuesday night, the suspect was located and taken into custody, bringing a small measure of relief to a community on edge. However, questions about the motive and circumstances leading to this horrific act remain unanswered, as the investigation continues to unfold.
The Richards’ deaths have sent shockwaves through Harnett and Cumberland Counties, where they were well-known and deeply loved. Friends and family remember Danny and Sabrina as pillars of their community, whose enduring marriage and vibrant spirits touched countless lives. The fact that this tragedy struck on Sabrina’s birthday—a day meant for celebration—has only deepened the grief for those who knew her. Social media posts from loved ones paint a picture of a couple who lived for their family, their faith, and their community, leaving behind a legacy now overshadowed by senseless violence.
As the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, Kentucky Derby Lane remains a somber scene, with sheriff’s vehicles blocking the entrance to Trotter’s Ridge and first responders working tirelessly to uncover the truth. The community waits for answers, grappling with the loss of two cherished souls and the uncertainty surrounding the surviving victim. For now, the people of Harnett County hold tight to memories of Danny and Sabrina Richards, whose lives were cut short in a moment that forever changed a quiet neighborhood.