Three people found shot to death in Henry County

6:36 p.m. by Candice Nelson

Four people were shot and three are dead after police are investigating a murder-suicide in Henry County.

Deputies say 56-year-old William Carter Sr. shot his wife, Bonnie Carter, 56,  and oldest son, 29-year-old William Carter Jr. He then shot his youngest son, 22-year-old Timothy Carter, twice. But Timothy was able to escape.  That’s when William Carter Sr. turned the gun on himself.

It happened on Wilhaven Lane in Axton. Now family and friends gather at the home to pay their respects.

The Carter’s home is across from Deborah Akers. It’s where Timothy ran for help after he was shot.

“He said his dad was hunting him. After he had gotten in the house and everything he said his dad had shot and killed his mother and brother,” Akers said.

As she was treating his wounds at the back of his neck and lower back, she said Timothy told her his father tricked him into coming home from college at Radford University. Then deputies say Timothy’s father lured him into the basement.
 
“He said he didn’t know why his daddy did that. That he had called him at Radford and told him he had to come home, that something was wrong with his brother, older brother. I said why’d his daddy trick him, he didn’t understand why,” she explained.

Those who knew the man aren’t sure why, either.

Roosevelt Womack was a fellow church member.

“Last time I seen him he was happy. I don’t know, just like we’re standing here talking. Of course strange things can happen,” he said.
 
About a dozen friends and family gathered at the home. Although they didn’t want to comment, we talked to people who described the family, saying William Carter Senior just retired from Goodyear.

“He was one that liked to work. And Goodyear, he had to take early retirement, and that kinda put the pressure on him there,” said Garland Grimes, a neighbor.

Akers is just glad she could save Timothy and protect her family. She was afraid Timothy’s father could end up coming over to her house.

“Yes. I already put my grandchildren in their room and everything. I was terrified,” she said.

Timothy was taken to Memorial Hospital of Martinsville before he was transferred to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. He’s now in good condition.   

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The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after three people were found shot to death inside a home.

It happened just after midnight Sunday in the 200 block of Wilhaven Lane in Axton.

Deputies say 22-year-old Timothy Carter, a student at Radford University, was called to his home by his father, 56-year-old William Carter Senior.

They say William lured his son into the basement, where he shot him twice.

Timothy was then able to escape and is now at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, listed in fair condition.

Deputies responded to the scene to find the house had been set on fire.

The Fire Marshal is investigating the fire as arson.

Deputies later found William Carter Senior, his wife 56-year-old Bonnie Carter and their older son, 29-year-old William Carter Junior shot to death inside the basement.

A combination rifle/shotgun was also found at the scene.

Investigators say William Carter Senior shot his wife and two sons.

10 On Your Side’s Candice Nelson is on her way to the scene.

We’ll have more on this story tonight, on WSLS at 6:00.