Crime
Burke County Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Boyfriend’s Shooting Death
BURKE COUNTY, GA – A 25-year-old Burke County woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the domestic shooting death of her boyfriend early Sunday morning, Sheriff Alfonzo Williams announced Tuesday.
Hannah Cobb, of Keysville, is accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Telvin Osborne in the master bedroom of their shared home, where they lived with their two children.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to the incident at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Sunday in the 800 block of Four Points Road near Waynesboro.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Osborne with a single gunshot wound to the chest. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During a Tuesday press conference, Sheriff Williams emphasized that the shooting was not accidental, despite earlier claims.
“It is reckless to go out and then get drunk and introduce a firearm into an argument,” Williams stated, explaining why Cobb was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Authorities revealed that the fatal altercation followed an argument and a night of drinking.
The dispute turned physical, involving pushing and shoving, before Cobb fired the shot that killed Osborne.
An incident report states that Cobb initially told investigators that she and Osborne had been out all night and had just returned home.
She claimed that while checking her firearm “as they do every night,” the gun discharged, striking Osborne in the chest.
She also stated that she believed the handgun’s safety was engaged while she was handling it.
However, Sheriff Williams dismissed social media claims that Cobb had been cleaning the weapon at the time of the shooting, stating that such allegations were false.
While Cobb has been formally charged, the BCSO Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continues to examine evidence and obtain search warrants to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sheriff Williams commended CID investigators for their swift action in bringing charges within 48 hours.
Despite the legal proceedings, the case remains open, and additional details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
The tragic shooting has left family members and the community in shock, particularly given the complex nature of Cobb and Osborne’s relationship as co-parents.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward as they work toward justice and clarity in this case.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.