In the quiet, close-knit community of Trotter’s Ridge, nestled between Lillington and Spout Springs in Harnett County, North Carolina, a serene Tuesday evening was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. At approximately 5:18 p.m. on August 12, 2025, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office responded to a chilling call about a shooting at a home on Kentucky Derby Lane, a peaceful street just eight miles northwest of Anderson Creek. What unfolded was a scene of devastation that claimed the lives of Bishop Danny Richards and his beloved wife, Sabrina Richards, leaving their family, friends, and community grappling with profound grief.

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third person sustained injuries. Though authorities have not publicly released the identity or condition of the injured victim as of the latest updates, family members confirmed that the deceased were Bishop Danny Richards and Sabrina Richards, a couple whose love and legacy had touched countless lives. The tragedy was made even more poignant by its timing: the shooting occurred on Sabrina’s birthday, a day meant for celebration, now forever marked by sorrow.

Bishop Danny Richards and Sabrina Richards were pillars of their community, known for their warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another. Married for nearly three decades, their bond was a testament to love and partnership. Sabrina, a proud graduate of Douglas Byrd High School, was remembered as the heart of her family—a woman whose kindness and compassion radiated in every interaction. Friends recall her infectious smile and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. Bishop Danny, a man of deep faith and wisdom, was a respected leader whose guidance inspired those around him. Together, they were a familiar sight in nearby Cumberland County, often seen strolling through downtown Fayetteville or sharing meals, their love for each other evident in every moment.

The details of the incident are as heartbreaking as they are shocking. Authorities have identified the suspected shooter as a juvenile, believed to be a relative of the Richards family. According to investigators, the teen fled the scene in a gray truck immediately after the shooting, sparking a swift response from law enforcement. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), launched an intensive search and apprehended the suspect later that same night. The arrest was made without further incident, bringing a small measure of relief to a community on edge.

In the midst of this tragedy, the Richards family displayed remarkable resilience. KT Richards, the couple’s son, became a beacon of strength, providing real-time updates to friends and extended family as the situation unfolded. His courage in the face of such loss has left an indelible mark on those who know him. As news of the shooting spread, social media became a space for collective mourning, with friends, neighbors, and community members flooding platforms with prayers, condolences, and cherished memories of Bishop Danny and Sabrina. Posts described the couple’s generosity, their shared laughter, and the profound impact they had on everyone they met. “This doesn’t feel real,” one friend wrote. “They were the kind of people who made the world better just by being in it.”

Investigators have described the shooting as an isolated incident, emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the SBI are working diligently to piece together the timeline of events and uncover the motive behind this devastating act of violence. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, providing contact options through the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 910-893-0300 or the SBI’s confidential channels.

As the investigation continues, the Trotter’s Ridge community and beyond are left to navigate an overwhelming sense of loss. Bishop Danny Richards and Sabrina Richards were more than just victims of a senseless act—they were a couple who lived with purpose, loved fiercely, and left an enduring legacy of faith and kindness. Their family, now faced with the unbearable task of grieving both their loss and the tragic circumstances surrounding it, is surrounded by a community ready to offer support and love. In the days ahead, the memories of Bishop Danny and Sabrina will undoubtedly live on, a bittersweet reminder of two lives that touched so many, taken far too soon.