Suspect in Nash quadruple murder dies from self-inflicted gunshot

NASHVILLE N.C. - The prime suspect in a Nash County quadruple homicide died Tuesday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, law enforcement authorities said today.

Investigators from the Halifax County Sheriff's Office found Gary Neal Lynch, 37, dead outside his mother's house off N.C. Highway 43 in Hollister, Maj. Wes Tripp said.

Tripp said Halifax County authorities were assisting the Nash County Sheriff's Office in its investigation in the shooting deaths of Charlene Lynch, 35, his estranged wife, Darwood Lynch, 10, her son, Larry Lynch, 41, and his nephew, Curley Lynch, 58, all of Whitakers.

The bodies were found at Curley Lynch's home in Aventon after his niece drove past and reported seeing the boy's body in the yard.

Charlene Lynch was shot two times and had additional head injuries, Darwood Lynch was shot once, Larry Lynch was shot twice and Curley Lynch was shot twice.

Tripp said Gary Lynch died from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head from a .22-caliber pistol.

Lt. Scott Parker of the Nash County Sheriff's Office said Gary Lynch was the prime suspect in the murder. He said there were domestic issues and the sheriff described him as a "very jealous gentleman."

Gary Lynch apparently killed himself as investigators arrived at his parents' house to question him.

"He had no idea we were coming," said Nash County Sheriff Jimmy Grimes. "He was our main suspect."