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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

[NC] The said-suicide of Amanda Graham Barker, fiancée of asst. police chief fired from different department after domestic violence


Amanda Graham Barker was living with and engaged to Red Springs Asst. Police Chief Kevin Locklear, when he called Hoke County's 911 and reported that Amanda had shot herself in the head while he was in another room. It was his service revolver that was used. Amanda was a dispatch supervisor for Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services and mother of two. Relatives say she was beautiful, smart, and a great mother. In 2009 Locklear was fired from his position as police chief of the Raeford Police Department after he was charged with the 2007 assault of his wife. (Those charges were dropped in December of 2012 after he agreed to seek and complete court-ordered counseling and treatment.)

UPDATE: The State Bureau of Investigation completed a report on their investigation and turned it over to Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton in January of 2012 for a decision on whether there will be charges filed.


PREVIOUS POSTS:

[Obituary lists Locklear as Amanda's husband]
MS. AMANDA GRAHAM, of Raeford, died Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 207 Covington Ave., at the age of 29... She worked for Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as a Life Link critical care supervisor. She served five years in the law enforcement community as a police officer. She was a loving mother and wife. Survivors include her husband, Kevin Locklear of the home; parents... son... stepson... daughter... stepdaughter... and two brothers... Care of the family is entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home... [Full death notice here.]

AFFIDAVITS DETAIL SHOOTING SCENE OF EX-RAEFORD POLICE CHIEF'S FIANCEE
The Fayetteville Observer
Wed Aug 17, 2011
[Excerpts] Investigators say two bullets were recovered at the home of former Raeford Police Chief Kevin Locklear last week after his fiancee [Amanda Graham Barker] was fatally shot... The affidavits were filed Thursday by Sgt. Jose Garcia, a detective in the Raeford Police Department, to obtain search warrants for the house and the vehicles belonging to Locklear and Barker. Locklear called Hoke County's 911 just before 8 p.m. and reported that Barker had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, documents say. Locklear told Garcia that he followed the dispatcher's instructions to provide first aid to Barker while waiting for an ambulance...Locklear said the relationship with Barker had been rocky in recent months, the documents say. Locklear said he and Barker exchanged argumentive text messages during the day. The argument continued after Locklear got home, the documents say. "While Ms. Graham and Mr. Locklear argued in the living room, Ms. Graham stood up and said, 'That's it,' and walked towards the rear right bedroom, according to Mr. Locklear," the affidavit says. Locklear told Garcia that he was sitting on the sofa when he heard one gunshot and a second shot shortly after... Garcia arrived at the house just after 8p.m. and found medics working on Barker, who had a faint pulse when they arrived... They told Garcia that a gun was found under Barker's hand, the affidavits say... Locklear's police-issued gun belt with an empty holster was on the bed, the documents say. A spent bullet that appeared to be police-issued ammunition was next to the belt. The gunshot wound was on Barker's right temple... Locklear told Garcia that Barker was left-handed... However, sources say Graham, a former Raeford police officer, was a right-handed shooter. "At this time, it is unknown the circumstances behind the location of the spent projectile that I observed on the bed," Garcia wrote in the affidavit. "This is inconsistent with Ms. Graham's body position." The returned warrants show that investigators seized computers, a .40-caliber revolver, ammunition and bullet casings, a bullet fragment and the couple's cellphones. Red Springs Police Chief Ronnie Patterson said he is waiting for the SBI findings before he does any investigation... [Full article here]


SBI STILL INVESTIGATING SHOOTING DEATH OF FORMER RAEFORD POLICE CHIEF'S FIANCÉE
The Fayetteville Observer
Mon Aug 15, 2011
The State Bureau of Investigation is still looking into the shooting death last week of a woman who was engaged to marry the former Raeford police chief, a spokeswoman said. Amanda Graham Barker, 30, of 207 Covington Ave. in Raeford, was found dead Wednesday in the house she shared with her fiancee, Kevin Locklear. Barker died from a gunshot wound, authorities have said, but investigators have not determined whether the death will be ruled a suicide or a homicide, according to an email from SBI spokeswoman Jennifer Canada. Locklear, who is now a captain in the Red Springs Police Department, served as Raeford's chief from 2007 to 2009. He was fired from that job in 2009, after he was charged with assaulting his then-estranged wife. The charges later were dismissed after Locklear agreed to seek treatment and counseling. [LINK]

SHOOTING DEATH INVESTIGATED IN RAEFORD
The Robesonian
August 11, 2011
[Excerpts] The fiancee of a Red Springs police captain was found shot to death in her Raeford home Wednesday, according to Red Springs Police Chief Ronnie Patterson... Patterson didn’t want to comment when asked if Locklear’s service revolver was used in the shooting. He said that the case is being investigated by Raeford police and the State Bureau of Investigation. Attempts to reach both agencies for information failed. Locklear joined the Red Springs Police Department in 2009 under interim Police Chief Steve Gilligan... “Capt. Locklear has been an asset to our department,” Mayor John McNeill said. “He’s extremely professional. He has worked very well with the community, with the department and the personnel.” Patterson said Locklear remains employed with his department, but was taking time off to be with his family. [Full article here]

FORMER POLICE CHIEF'S FIANCÉE DIES, SBI ON CASE
Associated Press
August 11, 2011
[Excerpts] State investigators are looking into the shooting death of the girlfriend of a North Carolina town's former police chief... Raeford police Maj. George Marr says 30-year-old Amanda Graham Barker was found dead in her home Wednesday evening. Marr says her fiancée, Kevin Locklear, was at the home when police arrived. Locklear was Raeford's police chief for almost four years until he was fired in December 2007, a month after he was charged with assaulting his estranged wife... Locklear is now assistant police chief in Red Springs, about 10 miles south of Raeford. [Full article here]

SBI INVESTIGATING DEATH OF FIANCEE OF EX-POLICE CHIEF OF RAEFORD
The Fayetteville Observer
Aug 11, 2011
[Excerpts] ...Amanda Graham Barker, 30, was found shot inside her home on the 200 block of Covington Avenue just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to Maj. George Marr of Raeford police. Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton and the police asked the SBI to handle the investigation because of [former Raeford Police Chief Kevin] Locklear's former relationship with Raeford police, Marr said. Locklear now serves as a captain in the Red Springs Police Department, which has a mutual aid agreement with the Raeford police, Marr said. Police received a report of shooting at the home at 7:53 p.m., Marr said. Officers arrived within a minute, he said, and found Barker dead from a gunshot wound. Locklear was at the home when police arrived, Marr said. Marr couldn't say whether Locklear was in the residence when the shooting happened... [Full article here]

FIANCÉE OF FORMER POLICE CHIEF FOUND DEAD
abclocal.go.com
Thursday, August 11, 2011
[Excerpts] ...Investigators are trying to determine if 29-year-old Amanda Graham Barker's death was a suicide or homicide. Baker is the fiancée of Kevin Locklear, the former Raeford police chief. He's currently the assistant police chief in Red Springs, which is about 10 miles south of Raeford in Robeson County. When police arrived at the Covington Avenue home around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Locklear was at the house the couple shared and told police the wound was self-inflicted... Authorities are still investigating the shooting and have not ruled out the possibility of foul play... Locklear's cousin, Tonya Locklear, says she is shocked that anyone could even consider Kevin Locklear responsible... Tonya Locklear says already rumors have been swirling around the Town of Raeford that the former police chief is to blame. "It really hurt me to know that the whole community is thinking that he killed her and that's just not the type of person he is," she said. "It has nothing to do with his previous history, it's simply, we want to try to determine to the best of our ability what caused the death, what circumstances led up to it, it has nothing to do with any previous history," [Raeford Police Chief Eddie] Jaggers said... [Full article here]

FORMER RAEFORD POLICE CHIEF'S FIANCÉE SHOT TO DEATH
WRAL
Stacy Davis and Kevin Holmes
August 11, 2011
[Excerpts] The fiancée of a former Raeford police chief was found shot to death late Wednesday, and investigators were trying to determine if her death was a homicide or suicide... Current Raeford Police Chief Eddie Jaggers asked the State Bureau of Investigation to assist with the case. "Any time you have a case where you have unknown circumstances – you don't know all the details of what was happening right before or during – it makes it a little harder to solve because the person that could tell you everything can't tell you anything," Jaggers said. Locklear was fired as Raeford's police chief in December 2007, two days after domestic-related assault charges were dismissed against him... He was charged in November 2007 with assault on a female, injury to personal property and domestic criminal trespass after an alleged assault on his then-wife... ... [Red Springs] Police Chief Ronnie Patterson said that Locklear's status with the department hasn't changed and that he has been given some time off to take care of his family... Barker was a dispatch supervisor for Cumberland County EMS who had an 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Relatives called her beautiful, smart and a great mother... A friend took the children to the movies Wednesday night, so they weren't home when Barker died, a neighbor said... [Full article here]

POLICE CAPTAIN’S FIANCEE SHOT DEAD
The Robesonian
August 12, 2011
[Excerpts] ...Raeford Police Chief George Marr could not be reached for comment... Locklear joined the Red Springs Police Department in 2009 under interim Police Chief Steve Gilligan, [Red Springs Police Chief Ronnie] Patterson said. He had worked as chief of the Raeford Police Department from January 2004 but was fired in December 2007 following charges that he assaulted his estranged wife. Locklear agreed to court-ordered treatment and misdemeanor charges of assault, domestic criminal trespassing and injury to personal property were dismissed by the court... [Full article here]

AUTOPSY RESULTS IN RAEFORD SHOOTING COULD TAKE TWO WEEKS
Fayetteville Observer
08/13/2011
[Excerpts] It could be two weeks before authorities find out more about the circumstances surrounding the death of the fiancee of the former Raeford police chief, authorities said... The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation at the request of Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton and Raeford police Chief Eddie Jaggers, authorities said. [Full article here]

COMMENTS FROM THE INTERNET:

...Sorry for all involved , I sure hope that he didn't do it...
...WPTF reported this morning that he had a history of domestic violence...
...Wherever a beautiful soul has been, A trail of beautiful memories has been left behind. Everyone keep Amanda Barker's 2 children, family and friends in your prayers. Rest in peace Mandy. We love you
...I know deep down in my heart and gut, she did not. If that is the case Someone made it look like it. No one will ever make me think she did... What gets me the most is the paper says they know he was there when the police arrived but they do not know if he was there when it happened...
...Just found out Mandi barker was shot to death.... Wtf is going on with these men wanting control and cheifs of police playin God! Mandi would have never done this... My prayers are with [Amanda's children]...
...As i said before... this incident is on another level and I will not judge. That is up to the GREAT ONE ABOVE!!! GOD BLESS the deceased and her family... and Kevin Locklear and his family as well...
...Everyone in Red Springs knows, Locklear was part of a package deal. The Mayor like Patterson and others at the town hall liked Locklear. Locklear started his tenure with RSPD after several of the officer left with Chief McDuffie... Locklear should have NEVER received a badge and gun after he beat his wife. This assault was not alledge but confirm by him entering a plea. Anyone who needs anger management or whatever counseling you need should NEVER carry a gun... The agency has one officer that face credibility (failed SBI polygraphs and etc), they can't have another one...
...People shouldn't say anything if they don't know the whole story!!...
...The paper stated that he was hired in 2009 under interim Police Chief Steve Gilligan. And if it was not on his back ground check then he was clear to be hired...
..."...Extremely professional...???" I think everyone would agree, with the obvious exception of Mr. Patterson, that a man who beats his wife is a low-life piece of trash unworthy of wearing a badge. Apparently Chief Patterson didn't do his homework when he hired ...
...@crazystuff:You really must be crazy talking about something that you know absolutely NOTHING about.When did this man ADMIT to being dangerous??? And the charges were dropped because they were NOT true and yes go ask the ex-wife cause she's hating what she did now... That man NEVER touched her. And the Chief is keeping him around because he's good at his job. Did you not read what the mayor had to say about him... Why yes, this case is already solved nut he is INNOCENT. Thank you Chief Patterson for hiring such a fine and upstanding citizen as Captain Kevin Locklear. He is a great asset to Red Springs Police Dept. We are ALL praying for you Captain!!!...
...Locklear was hired under interim chief Steve Gilligan. He was appointed to the Capts position after Patterson became chief...
...This is what is wrong with the county. We have bad people like Locklear in places they shouldn't be trying to tell the good people how to behave when they are doing wrong themselves. Get this man off the force. He is not qualified and has admitted to being dangerous and doesn't mind beating up on women. Why is Chief Patterson keeping this guy around?... Really Locklear, you beat on women!...
...Folks..READ ALL OF THIS ARTICLE... http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2007/11/nc-chiefs-wife-erlina-locklear-said-her.html HOW this man is in ANY way involved in protecting the public is BEYOND me. How our judicial system can lift it's head and call its self fair is just down right DISGUSTING!!...
...WRAL--Every single one of you that work there should be ashamed of yourselves! Just as the new Raeford Chief said to you, this has "nothing to do with the 2007 incident...
...If he did fire the weapon would he not have powder residue on him or his clothing?...
...Why would another police agency hire a former police chief who was fired?...
...I will miss Amanda. Work won't be the same without her around. I don't think she would of taken her own life...
...Just don't believe she would have taken her life and left her kids...
...You should all be ashamed of the comments that you have posted about this family. They are a family...they lived together woke up every morning together and went to sleep every night together. Mandi loved her children more than anything in this world & we will never know exactly why this happened...
...That's just it. She could NEVER have left her children...
...Just cause someone has anger issues doesn't mean that they're a killer as some of you have said... He was INNOCENT in 2007 and he's INNOCENT now...
[police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety ronald lethal fatality fatalities murder said alleged suicide north carolina state politics usur unsolved unresolved]

44 comments:

  1. Sure He Is....and so are all those inmates in prison...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Who pulls a trigger twice in a suicide...hello...someone needs to use some common sense here. Everyone knows when the woman is done with the relationship and wants out, that is when she gets hurt or killed. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors, the outside world only sees a couple in love...but love can be hell when you live with Dr. Jekle and Mr. Hide. Don't be fooled by someone who has already gone through domestic violence in another relationship...there should never have been a gun in that house or in his posession. She had so much more to live for, things where going her way, all she wanted was a happy family...RIP Mandi, we are praying that the truth comes out, so justice will be served.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, very well put, let's just hope after this incident in July 2018, he beat his current wife with a hammer, perhaps this case gets re-investigated!

      Delete
  3. Innocent? So is Casey Anthony, O.J. Simpson, Jeffery MacDonald, Jeffery Dahlmer and the list goes on and on. Don't make me laugh? Who does this guy think he is kidding? The Spirit of Mandi will see that you receive justice one way or the other.

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  4. Everybody knows Kevin did this. He did beat his ex-wife. For you idiots who says he's innocent maybe you should talk to someone who actually saw the severity of his ex-wife's injuries. The person who said she regrets it is lying. She is afraid of him even now because she has always known what he is capable of. In fact his Raeford arrest is not his only prior arrest for domestic violence. If any other citizen would have had the history that he did then we would not be able to get a gun but they gave him a gun and a badge. Mr. Patterson was aware of Locklear's past and warned about how dangerous he is and still chose to hire him. The girl was left handed, she didnt commit suicide by pulling the trigger with her right hand. Nor did she miss once and fire again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are an idiot. I'f she was so afraid then why did raeford assistant chief George mare have to make her leave the scene when she wanted to go to kevin. His ex wife has never been assaulted by him. If anyone states that they have ever scene injuries on that woman would be telling a lie just as you are. Another news flash for you again Patterson didn't hire him. Barker was left handed but if you would take the time and go up to raeford pd you would see photos of her in uniform wearing her weapon on her right side. Locklear had no history of domestic violence that's why he worked his way up the ladder from patrolman up to police chief. Explain that. The only answer is that he is a good man and a great officer who served and help put a lot of criminals behind bars. B arkers blood alcohol was .15 no one knows what she was thinking. The statements in officer Garcia's affidavit that were posted were false and incorrect due to his lack knowledge and training. The state bureau of investigations did another affidavit for a search warrant because Garcia didn't know his job and still dissent know anything about investigations. Barker committed suicide and only she holds the answers as to why. I would have never thought that she would have ever done anything like this because of her love for her kids but you also have to take into count they she was drinking. .15. Locklear is innocent and that's why this case is over and it was never domestic violence. You now have the truth.

      Delete
    2. For you to state that the SBI did a second Search Warrant and that Garcia has no clue of what he is doing, you are an idiot. Point blank. Unless you were there and have knowledge of the investigation, STFU... Thanks. By the way, if you have a problem with Garcia, go see him......

      Delete
    3. I don't know who you are and don't care! But locklear did assault his wife and I know I was their. Now run your mouth about something you know nothing about!

      Delete
    4. AMEN Garcia, the proof is in the ink and pictures that were filed at Raeford PD, he was guilty of assault, Earlina was afraid and dropped the charges, he can't get away from this shit forever!

      Delete
  5. his fiance WAS left handed BUT she shoots right handed and as for the two shots... she shot herself and when she went down, her finger was still on the trigger and the 2nd shot went into the ceiling. Hello to the above idiot that commented on the 21st. U DON'T KNOW WHAT U THINK U KNOW!!! I am NOT deciding innocent or guilt, but just stating the facts!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I found this posted elsewhere. Please pray for Amanda's kids.

    "I am the son of amanda graham and my mother did not commit suicide i believe she was murdered. Because who fires twice in a suicide.......NO ONE. and her and her boyfriend Kevin Locklear were arguing at the time. and after the death her body was pushed under the bed that she and Locklear shared at the time only her head, torso and arms were out from under the bed. and suspisuly My sister and I were taken out of the home right before the Death. R.I.P. Mom. Amanda Graham 1981-2011"

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  7. It takes a lot of courage son to stand up and tell the truth. Your Mom is so proud of you. May God Bless you and your sister in the difficult days ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  8. DO SOMETHING WITH THIS MAN!!!! HE HAS A TEMPER,HAS ALREADY ADMITTED TO IT AND NOW A WOMAN IS DEAD!! THERE ARE TOO MANY CROOKS IN THIS INCIDENT!! GET RID OF ALL OF THEM! SOMEBODY IS WATCHING YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Keep up the heat, now, early - please. It's up to the local community to push for action.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was not there. I can't say what happened, but Mr. Locklear DESERVES to be suspect. I HOPE that the process of justice is in full motion and not the process of coverup. I pray for the integrity and professionalism of the assigned investigators to not be compromised.

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  11. For all of you that have received your CSI training should just let the evidence prove this case. All of you assume that she would have not killed herself but no one knows what she was going through at the time. But its so easy to point the finger at Locklear. Everyone who knew Amanda from her first marrage knew the struggle and fight that she was going through to keep her kids safe from her ex husband. In and out of court for the past three years over child custody. I knew her and I also knew how much she and Locklear were in love. They were happy together,no one knows what she was dealing with. All of you should really be ashamed of yourselves for the negative comments you have made without knowing the truth. May God still bless all of you and this family

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  12. If he loved her why is she dead...was he no support in the things she was going thru?? She got the custody so why after he found out about the texts did she feel she had to kill herself. Yeah sounds just like love.

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  13. OH! He loved her so much he killed her!

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  14. If the SBI messes this up like all those other cases...then he could hook up with Casey Anthony!

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  15. Why hasn't the SBI made any conclusion on this case after 2 months and it appears that no one is putting pressure on them. Mr. Locklear was on PAID administative leave (taxpayers paid him) while he was out of work for nearly 2 months too. Looks like crime pays and you never have to answer for your crimes.

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  16. He is back at work as if nothing happen. He does not deserve to carry a gun or wear a badge.

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  17. Merry Christmas in Heaven, Mandy....you are spending Christmas with Jesus. I hope the New Year will bring justice for you and your children and those who loved you. Hoped Kevin would spend Christmas in prison...where he belongs.

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  18. JUST WANT TO SAY HOW MUCH I MISS YOU AMANDA! I'VE SENT MANY PRAYERS UP TO GOD FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. GOD IS GOING TO HAVE THE FINAL SAY. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT WE HERE ON THIS CRUSTY OLD PLANET THINK...GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH! THE GOD I SERVE WILL EXPOSE THE TRUTH!!! I PRAY EVERY DAY FOR JUSTICE TO BE DONE, BUT IF IT ISN'T HERE IT WILL BE ON JUDGEMENT DAY! GOD BLESS ALL OF AMANDA'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS...SHE IS MISSED DEEPLY! MERRY CHRISTMAS AMANDA...WOW YOU GET TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS...NOTHING COULD BE BETTER!!!!!!

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  19. for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life!

    Merry Christms Amanda, Med-com misses you a lot! I pray that the truth about what happened to you will be exposed...God please keep Amanda's children safe from the bad that Amanda was trying to protect them from!!

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  20. Well...District Attorney has finally got this case from the SBI. Let's hope the SBI got it right this time. Hopefully very soon you and your children will receive Justice.....

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  21. MISSN U MY FRIEND BUT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO SMILE AND LAUGH AS I REMEMBERED A FUNNY MOMENT WE SHARED DURING A BREAK FROM CLASS. WORK IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT UR RADIANT SMILE AND HEARING YOU ALWAYS SAY, "WHAT IN THE WORLD"! MAY THE GOD OF PEACE SHOW MERCY AND FAVOR UPON YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS.

    ReplyDelete
  22. SBI: EX-NC POLICE CHIEF'S FIANCEE DEATH PROBE DONE
    Thursday, January 05, 2012
    abclocal.go.com

    RAEFORD, N.C. -- A North Carolina district attorney is reviewing what investigators learned about the fatal shooting of the former Raeford police chief's girlfriend.

    The Fayetteville Observer reports that agents for the State Bureau of Investigation delivered a report to the Hoke County district attorney Wednesday.

    Thirty-year-old Amanda Graham Barker was found dead in August in the home she shared with fiancee Kevin Locklear, who was Raeford's police chief for almost four years until he was fired in 2009 after being charged with assaulting his estranged wife. The misdemeanor charges were dismissed after Locklear agreed to court-ordered treatment.

    Locklear is now assistant police chief in Red Springs, about 10 miles south of Raeford.

    Police said in court documents that Barker was shot with Locklear's service revolver.

    http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=8491455

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJune 10, 2012

    why hasn't there been an answer in this case.....almost a year ago and still no final answer on what happened to Amanda....why??? Where is justice??? must be true if your a police officer your ABOVE the LAW!!!! SBI what happened to Amanda.....we want answers!! It's been almost a year!?

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  24. Yes where is our answer???? in just two days it will have been a year. We miss you soo much, Not a day goes by that i dont think about you.

    here is the poem that one of her co-workers wrote:

    WHY?
    Amanda Graham so young did die,
    And no one really knows why.

    You were always strong and stood tall,
    And when the news came it was a shock to us all.

    As we watched the news, and saw then roll you out,
    We all froze with doubt and began to pout.

    There's a hole in our heart for our friend so dear,
    As we realize she is no longer here.

    For her kids who she loved and adored so much,
    She always cared for them with a gentle touch.

    Her job she did with a heart so true,
    For never once did she leave a patient feeling blue.

    She always had love in here heart and a smile on her face,
    There will never be another to take her place.

    As we gather her below to sing "Amazing Grace"
    She's looking down at us saying "I'm in a better place".

    "For don't cry for me, I'm at my second home,
    There I'll wait for you, Beside God's Heavenly Throne".

    In loving Memory: Amanda Graham 9/29/81-8/10/11

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another year has gone by! is the case still underinvestigation? A family member from a distant needs to know the truth about Mandys death.

      Delete
    2. What has been the response to your inquiries from Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton?

      Delete
  25. Missing you Mandy.....We have not forgotten!!

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  26. COMMENT EXCERPTS FROM
    http://www.robesonian.com/view/full_story/15120270/article-Affidavits-give-details-in-Raeford-shooting

    ...Be for real! You know what happened already SBI. It has been my observation that when it takes this long to investigate something then either an indictment is forthcoming or a coverup is taking place. Which one is it I wonder?...

    ...i hope the SBI is still investing this case. There is no way Amanda shot herself! There was too much love for her children, and there are too many unanswered questions...

    ...Maybe it is just me but I think that it is taking wayyyyy too long for charges to be filed against Capt Locklear for murder or for this terrible matter to be ruled as a suicide. Without a doubt the SBI know what went down by now! So what is the hold up? The public needs to know if there is a possible murderer on the loose...

    ...The Irony stinks to high heaven , a Robeson Co . law enforcement officer accused of domestic violence, murder & possible cover-up conspirisy in Hoke Co. My condolences to the Barker family , I will try to be respectful in my commentary & comparison...

    ...Am I the only one wonderning why there were two shots fired? And why was Locklear's police issued weapon not secured properly? If Ms. Barker was left or right handed does not really matter. But it does matter that Locklear told the investigators the wrong information. I encourage the family of Ms. Barker to stay behind this with tooth and nail to get to the truth because you can't trust the Capt Locklear to tell the truth. The text messages and the fact that he admits to arguing with her that day all adds up to trouble...

    ...Either she killed herself or the abusive angry lover did it. Is he ready for his polygraph? Get rid of Kevin Chief Patterson. He should not have been hired after being fired...

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  27. Probe ends in death of officer’s fiancee
    by Staff report 13 months ago
    Jan 7, 2012
    [Excerpts] RAEFORD — The case of the fatal shooting of a Red Springs police captain’s fiancee has been turned over to the Hoke County district attorney. A spokeswoman for the State Bureau of Investigation said that agency completed a report on the death of Amanda Graham Barker, 29, who died Aug. 10 of a gunshot wound to the head... The report was delivered to District Attorney Kristy Newton this week. Newton... Red Springs police Chief Ronnie Patterson said Locklear was on leave immediately following Barker’s death and returned to work about three months ago...
    http://www.robesonian.com/view/full_story/17015248/article-Probe-ends-in-death-of-officer%E2%80%99s-fiancee

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousJuly 07, 2013

    Affidavits detail shooting scene of ex-Raeford police chief's fiancee
    The Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville, N.C
    By Nancy McCleary
    Published: 07:33 AM, Wed Aug 17, 2011

    RAEFORD - Investigators say two bullets were recovered at the home of former Raeford Police Chief Kevin Locklear last week after his fiancee was fatally shot.

    The disclosure was made in affidavits for search warrants that were filed Tuesday with the Hoke County Clerk of Court.

    Amanda Graham Barker, 29, died Aug. 10 from a gunshot wound in the head, authorities said. She was found in a bedroom of the home she and Locklear shared at 208 Covington Ave. in Raeford.

    The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting. An autopsy is not complete, a spokeswoman in the state Medical Examiner's Office said.

    The SBI is acting as the lead agency in the investigation because of Locklear's ties to Raeford police. Locklear is a captain in the Red Springs Police Department.

    The affidavits were filed Thursday by Sgt. Jose Garcia, a detective in the Raeford Police Department, to obtain search warrants for the house and the vehicles belonging to Locklear and Barker.

    Locklear called Hoke County's 911 just before 8 p.m. and reported that Barker had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, documents say. Locklear told Garcia that he followed the dispatcher's instructions to provide first aid to Barker while waiting for an ambulance, the documents say.

    Locklear said the relationship with Barker had been rocky in recent months, the documents say. Locklear said he and Barker exchanged argumentive text messages during the day. The argument continued after Locklear got home, the documents say.

    "While Ms. Graham and Mr. Locklear argued in the living room, Ms. Graham stood up and said, 'That's it,' and walked towards the rear right bedroom, according to Mr. Locklear," the affidavit says.

    Locklear told Garcia that he was sitting on the sofa when he heard one gunshot and a second shot shortly after, the documents say.

    Garcia arrived at the house just after 8p.m. and found medics working on Barker, who had a faint pulse when they arrived, documents say.

    They told Garcia that a gun was found under Barker's hand, the affidavits say.

    Barker was on the floor with her feet under the bed and her head turned toward the door when Garcia arrived, documents say.

    Locklear's police-issued gun belt with an empty holster was on the bed, the documents say.

    A spent bullet that appeared to be police-issued ammunition was next to the belt.

    The gunshot wound was on Barker's right temple, the documents say.

    Locklear told Garcia that Barker was left-handed and he is right-handed, the affidavits say. However, sources say Graham, a former Raeford police officer, was a right-handed shooter.

    "At this time, it is unknown the circumstances behind the location of the spent projectile that I observed on the bed," Garcia wrote in the affidavit. "This is inconsistent with Ms. Graham's body position."

    The returned warrants show that investigators seized computers, a .40-caliber revolver, ammunition and bullet casings, a bullet fragment and the couple's cellphones.

    Red Springs Police Chief Ronnie Patterson said he is waiting for the SBI findings before he does any investigation.

    Locklear is taking time off from work because of Barker's death, Patterson said.

    "Capt. Locklear's (duty) status is the same as it was when he left here last Wednesday," Patterson said.

    Staff writer Nancy McCleary can be reached at mcclearyn@fayobserver.com or 486-3568.

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  29. SBI: Ex-NC police chief's fiancDee death probe done
    by Associated Press
    Posted on January 5, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    RAEFORD, N.C. — A North Carolina district attorney is reviewing what investigators learned about the fatal shooting of the former Raeford police chief's girlfriend.

    The Fayetteville Observer reports that agents for the State Bureau of Investigation delivered a report to the Hoke County district attorney Wednesday.

    Thirty-year-old Amanda Graham Barker was found dead in August in the home she shared with fiancee Kevin Locklear, who was Raeford's police chief for almost four years until he was fired in 2009 after being charged with assaulting his estranged wife. The misdemeanor charges were dismissed after Locklear agreed to court-ordered treatment.

    Locklear is now assistant police chief in Red Springs, about 10 miles south of Raeford.

    Police said in court documents that Barker was shot with Locklear's service revolver.

    http://www.wcnc.com/news/regional/SBI-Ex-NC-police-chiefs-fiancDee-death-probe-done-136729728.html

    ReplyDelete
  30. Locklear was never court ordered to take any type of treatments. Check the court records. You won't find anything where he we ordered or where he even completed any such treatments. Get the facts right for once please. This goes for officer Garcia as well. I hope they don't let him investigate to many cases. Innocent people might go to jail. There's no cover up. Barker killed herself but that's not news is it. The public wants to crucify someone. Guess god won't let that happen to a good man.

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    Replies
    1. Is this coming from someone who has first-hand knowledge or someone who thinks that he/she does?

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  31. She should have never left this earth!!! I knew her well..there was a reason behind all of this we will never know I guess! Every couple has problems some way deeper than we know even me her very close and a best friend! Its not fair I think it should be looked into harder..something is not right at all!!

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    Replies
    1. I was also close with Amanda and I agree with you.

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  32. Shucks he's beating the woman he's with now and every one knows he killed Amanda.

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  33. Some of you might figure out who this is and if you do keep it to yourself. Amanda was a very special women to me. We spent a lot of time together and got to know each other very well. If her son and daughter read this please know your mother loved both of you very much. She was always talking about you both. She would tell me the trouble she had brushing her daughters hair because it was so thick like hers. I don't know what happened that night and I have my own opinion but I will keep it to myself. Amanda I miss you and will always love you!

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  34. We are still missing you Mandi! I will never believe you killed yourself. You have two beautiful children although they are not children anymore. Nathan is now over 6 foot tall and graduated and Sommer is beautiful and so much like you. They miss you so much as do I. I know one day the truth will be told for all.

    ReplyDelete

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