'Bright and Innocent' N.C. Girl, 6, and Her 'Devoted' Mom Are Killed by Child's Father in Murder-Suicide

Mar. 15, 2025

Kiera Massenberg and her daughter, Zoey.Photo:Nia Barner/GoFundMe

Nia Barner/GoFundMe

DaQuan Marcato Jones, 32, shot the mother of his child, Kiera Massenburg, 27, and the girl, Zoey Jones, 6, in a shooting that also wounded two others,WRAL reports.

WNCNreports Jones drove away from the scene of that shooting, which took place in Sharpsburg, N.C., with the girl and Massenburg in the car. He dropped Zoey off at a home in Nash County with life-threatening injuries and she was taken to the hospital, where she died the following evening, WRAL reports.

The outlet reports that one of the wounded victims was in critical condition while the other has been released from the hospital.

As authorities approached the vehicle they found a woman, later identified as Massenburg, dead in the backseat of the car.

“As units were approaching the residence, they heard a gunshot come from inside of the residence. At this point, units surrounded the residence. A male subject then exited the side door to the residence and advised us that the suspect had shot himself,” the press release read.

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“Kiera was a devoted mother, a cherished friend, and a pillar of strength for all who knew her,” aGoFundMeset up to help the family of Massenberg and Zoey pay for their funerals stated. “Her child, Zoey, was a bright and innocent soul who brought joy and love into the lives of everyone they met. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and their loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved them.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com