MONROE, N.C. — A quiet residential neighborhood in Union County has become the scene of a tragic and deadly incident involving an elderly couple, leaving neighbors stunned and law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting that culminated in a murder charge.
On Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026, deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a home on Winding Way Drive in Monroe, North Carolina, shortly before 2:30 p.m. Officers had been dispatched following reports of a shooting inside the residence.
Upon arrival, first responders found Dennis Griffin, an elderly man, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts by deputies and other emergency personnel to render aid, Griffin was pronounced dead at the scene.
đź’Ą Initial 911 Call and Police Response
According to the sheriff’s office, the woman who placed the 911 call — later identified as 74‑year‑old Patty Griffin — initially told dispatchers that she had accidentally shot her husband in the shoulder. However, deputies quickly determined that the fatal wound was instead to the chest, not the shoulder, raising immediate questions about the circumstances of the shooting.
Law enforcement sources, including Facebook posts by the sheriff’s office, confirmed that Ms. Griffin was the caller and that officers arrived within minutes of the dispatched call.
đź“Ś What Investigators Say About the Argument
During their investigation, detectives determined that the couple had engaged in a verbal confrontation before the shooting took place. Investigators described the dispute as an argument about “past events,” though officials have not publicly released specifics about the nature of those events.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, detectives concluded that during the course of the disagreement, Patty Griffin retrieved a .38‑caliber handgun, pointed it at her husband Dennis, and fired the weapon. The fatal shot struck him in the chest.
🕵️ Evidence and Arrest
After the shooting, the sheriff’s office said Griffin attempted to discard evidence before deputies arrived at the couple’s home. The nature of the evidence that may have been discarded has not been detailed by investigators, and authorities did not immediately specify what, if anything, was recovered.
Following the investigation, Griffin was arrested at the scene and charged with second‑degree murder. She was transported to the Union County Detention Center, where she is being held without bond. A judge denied bond during her initial court appearance, and no further court dates have yet been scheduled.
đź‘Ą Community Reaction
Neighbors were reportedly shocked by the incident, describing the Griffins as long‑time residents of the quiet street. One neighbor told local media that the couple had lived in the neighborhood for many years, sharing stories of seeing Dennis riding his motorcycle and Patty walking her dog.
Another neighbor expressed disbelief that a seemingly typical domestic interaction could escalate to such a severe outcome, calling the event “a sad day” for the community.
Some community members have also speculated about Patty Griffin’s mental health, with at least one resident suggesting that dementia may have been a factor, though law enforcement has not confirmed any information about her health or state of mind.
⚖️ Legal Context and Charges
Under North Carolina law, second‑degree murder is defined as a homicide that is intentional but not premeditated. It carries significant potential penalties, including long prison sentences if convicted. The charge reflects authorities’ belief that the shooting was deliberate — a conclusion supported by detectives’ statements that Griffin pointed a firearm at her husband and pulled the trigger.
At this stage, Griffin remains in custody without bond as the investigation continues. Prosecutors with the Union County District Attorney’s Office are coordinating with law enforcement as more evidence is reviewed.
🔍 Investigative Notes
- Deputies were dispatched after receiving the 911 call from Patty Griffin reporting a shooting at her home.
- Initial reports from Griffin claimed the shooting was accidental.
- Investigators found that Dennis Griffin had been shot in the chest, not the shoulder.
- Evidence suggests the argument may have turned violent before the shooting occurred.
- Police allege Griffin attempted to dispose of evidence before law enforcement arrived.
- Griffin is charged with second‑degree murder and is being held without bond at the Union County Detention Center.
📌 What’s Next
Legal proceedings are just beginning. At the time of publication, no future court dates have been set for Griffin’s case. It is also not publicly known whether she has obtained legal counsel or whether her defense will enter a plea.
Meanwhile, the Union County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, and authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
