Kevin Killworth and Kimberly Killworth Obituary, FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — Kevin Killworth and his wife, Kimberly Killworth, were found dead outside their home near Lake Royale on Friday morning, August 7, 2026, in an incident authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.
The couple, who were married in 2024, were discovered at a residence on Sunlight Cove after officers were called at approximately 9:30 a.m. Friday following a report concerning the couple. When authorities arrived, Kevin Killworth was found deceased in a chair in the driveway, while Kimberly Killworth was found deceased in the yard.
Investigators believe the shooting may have occurred several hours before authorities were notified. Preliminary information indicates that Kevin is believed to have fatally shot Kimberly before taking his own life. Authorities have not released a confirmed motive, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.
A child younger than 10 with special needs was inside the residence when authorities arrived. Investigators were reportedly told that the child heard two loud sounds around midnight but did not know what had happened and became frightened. Officers entered the home and found the child unharmed before the child was later placed in the care of the Department of Social Services.
A neighbor also provided investigators with information that could help establish the timeline of events. The neighbor reportedly went out running at approximately 5 a.m. and noticed a man sitting in the driveway. According to the information provided to investigators, the man appeared to have remained in the same position for an extended period.
Authorities said Kevin Killworth was a Navy veteran who had reportedly experienced difficulties adjusting to civilian life after leaving military service. Investigators have not determined whether those circumstances played any role in the deaths, and no motive has been confirmed.
The investigation is being conducted by the Lake Royale Company Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities are continuing to examine the sequence of events and circumstances that preceded the deaths as they work to establish a complete timeline.
Officials have described the incident as isolated and said there is no known ongoing threat to the surrounding community. The investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as authorities continue their work. The deaths of Kevin and Kimberly Killworth leave a family and community facing a deeply difficult loss, and condolences go to those affected by their passing.
