Lillington, North Carolina — A tragic shooting has left two people dead and one injured in Harnett County, North Carolina. Authorities report that Bishop Danny Richards, a well-known community leader, and his wife Sabrina Richards were shot and killed by their 14-year-old nephew in a shocking act of violence. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, around 5:18 p.m. at their residence on Kentucky Derby Lane in the Trotter’s Ridge neighborhood, located between Lillington and Spout Springs, approximately eight miles northwest of Anderson Creek.

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene to find the couple deceased from gunshot wounds and a third individual suffering from injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed the condition of the injured victim, but they are working to gather additional details about their injuries.

Family members have identified the deceased victims as Bishop Danny Richards, a prominent figure in the local religious community, and his wife Sabrina Richards. This tragedy unfolded on Sabrina’s birthday, just hours after the couple had celebrated the occasion with family and friends.

What’s Happening Now:
The 14-year-old nephew, who is believed to have been the shooter, fled the scene in a gray truck immediately after the incident. Law enforcement agencies, including the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, launched a rapid search for the suspect. Authorities were able to locate the juvenile later that night and took him into custody without incident.

The identity of the juvenile suspect has not been released due to his age, but he is currently being held in custody as law enforcement officials continue to investigate the shooting. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are working to understand what led to such a violent act within a family.

As of now, the juvenile suspect is facing charges related to the killings of his aunt and uncle, but the exact nature of the charges has not yet been specified. Investigators are still working to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and piece together the circumstances surrounding the event.

Community Impact and the Victims:
The death of Bishop Danny Richards and Sabrina Richards has sent shockwaves through the local community. Bishop Richards was well-known for his work in the religious community, providing guidance and support to many in the area. His wife, Sabrina, was also a beloved figure, known for her warmth and kindness.

Sabrina, a graduate of Douglas Byrd High School, had a strong connection to the community and was particularly well-regarded for her involvement in various local activities. She and her husband, who had been married for nearly 30 years, were frequently seen in Cumberland County, particularly enjoying outings in downtown Fayetteville. The couple’s untimely deaths have left a hole in the hearts of their family, friends, and the broader community.

The tragic timing of the shooting, occurring on Sabrina’s birthday, has compounded the heartbreak for those who knew the couple. Family members had gathered to celebrate her special day, only for the evening to take a devastating turn. The loss of the Richards family has left loved ones in mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the violent way in which they were taken from the community.

What’s Next for the Investigation:
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are focused on determining the motive behind the shooting, particularly given the fact that it occurred within a family setting.

At this stage, investigators have not provided specific details about the suspect’s possible motivations or whether there was any history of violence or family conflict that could have contributed to the shooting. Law enforcement officials are looking into the family dynamics, relationships, and any potential triggers that may have escalated the situation to this deadly outcome.

In addition to speaking with witnesses and family members, law enforcement officials will likely examine the suspect’s background, including his mental health, academic history, and interactions with family members. Investigators are also expected to review evidence found at the scene of the crime, including firearms and any digital communications that may provide insight into the suspect’s state of mind leading up to the shooting.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are likely to release more details about the charges against the juvenile suspect and any potential hearings related to the case. Local law enforcement is expected to work closely with the Pittsylvania County Juvenile Court to handle the legal proceedings in this case.

What’s Next for the Family and the Community:
The impact of this tragedy is being felt deeply in the Trotter’s Ridge neighborhood, where the Richards family was well-known and respected. The local community is coming together to support the family members who survived the incident and to offer condolences to those grieving the loss of Bishop and Sabrina Richards.

In addition to providing emotional support, local churches and organizations in the area are likely to organize memorial services, fundraisers, and support networks for the victims’ families. Community leaders are already speaking out about the need to support the surviving members of the Richards family, particularly during this incredibly difficult time.

The tragedy has also raised concerns about juvenile violence and its impact on families. Local advocacy groups and mental health professionals are calling for increased attention to addressing issues like family conflict, mental health crises, and the availability of resources for young people facing difficult circumstances.

What’s Next for the Juvenile Justice System:
As the investigation continues, many are focusing on how the juvenile justice system will handle this case. The North Carolina Juvenile Justice System is designed to handle cases involving minors accused of serious crimes, and the outcome of this case will likely raise questions about how to best support the rehabilitation and accountability of young offenders.

Given the severity of the crime, there will likely be discussions about whether the juvenile justice system is equipped to handle cases of this magnitude, and whether the accused will face appropriate sentencing if found guilty. Advocates for juvenile justice reform may also weigh in on the potential for rehabilitation versus the need for deterrence in violent crimes committed by minors.

Public Response and Safety Concerns:
The shooting has raised significant concerns about the safety of families and communities, particularly in cases where juveniles are involved in violent crimes. While this incident appears to be isolated, it has led to increased conversations about gun access, family dynamics, and the need for early intervention in situations of potential violence.

In response to this tragic event, law enforcement and local leaders are likely to increase efforts to provide education about conflict resolution and family violence prevention. Community centers, schools, and local organizations may implement programs to help young people manage emotions and handle conflicts peacefully, to prevent situations like this from occurring in the future.

The case has also sparked debates on how to better equip families with tools to recognize and address signs of distress or anger in their children before such tragedies happen. Parenting support programs and family counseling are expected to become a priority for local initiatives in the coming months.

Closing:
The shooting death of Bishop Danny Richards and Sabrina Richards has left a community mourning the loss of two beloved figures. The arrest of their 14-year-old nephew, identified as James Andru Lehnerd, has left family and friends grappling with the horrifying reality of what occurred.

As the investigation continues, authorities will work diligently to uncover the truth behind the shooting, while the community comes together to support the victims’ families. The juvenile justice system will play a key role in addressing the consequences of this tragic act, and the discussion about the prevention of juvenile violence is likely to intensify in the wake of this incident.

Our thoughts are with the families and community members affected by this tragedy. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates on this developing story.