APEX, N.C. — Two women were fatally shot, and a dog was also killed in a townhome neighborhood just southwest of downtown Apex on Monday afternoon, according to authorities.
The Apex Police Department received a call around 3 p.m. about a disturbance near Brussels Drive and Chipping Drive. While officers were en route to the scene, the call escalated to a shots fired situation.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two women who had been shot multiple times. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to a hospital, the women succumbed to their injuries.
Following the initial shooting, officers heard additional gunshots and quickly located the source. They arrested Harry Bates Hardman, a 37-year-old resident of Brussels Drive, without any further incident.
Hardman has since been booked into Wake County Jail on two counts of murder and one count of animal cruelty. Police also recovered multiple weapons from his residence.
The victims have been identified by family members as Nancy Taylor and Gabrielle Raymond. Taylor, known as “grandma” to children in the neighborhood, had lived in the community for about three years to be closer to her grandchildren. Raymond, 36, was a friend of Taylor’s and worked at RTI, according to Raymond’s parents.
Authorities have shared that Taylor approached Hardman and initiated a conversation, eventually joined by Raymond. However, the exact nature of their interaction is still under investigation. Hardman is alleged to have opened fire during the exchange, resulting in the tragic deaths of both women. Neighbors recounted hearing several gunshots and quickly contacting emergency services.
Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert expressed his condolences and solidarity with the community, stating, “This is a sad day for our town. Anytime there is a tragedy, we hurt as a community. We are thankful for all first responders who courageously responded to the scene to render assistance and provide safety.”
The investigation is ongoing, but Apex police have stated that they do not believe there is any additional threat to the public.