Thomas Matthew Gardner
Shortly before 2 a.m. Newton Police Officers responded to an address on Maple Court in Newton in reference to an open 911 line. Upon arriving on the scene, officers found the victim, 45-year-old Hope Kennedy of Newton, suffering from a gunshot wound. Also present in the home was Ms. Kennedy’s boyfriend and their two teenage children who all live together.
Further investigation at the scene revealed that Ms. Kennedy and her boyfriend, the suspect, Gardner became involved in an argument which turned physical. According to Newton Police Gardner allegedly shot the victim. She was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center where she passed away from her injuries.
Both children were unharmed and were placed in the custody of a family member by the Department of Social Services. Gardner was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Newton Police Department where he was charged. He was placed in the Catawba County Detention Facility without bond. A first appearance in District Court is scheduled for December 30.
Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY