Neighbors remember bond with Harnett woman

Erwin, N.C. — The neighbors on Buckskin Lane in Harnett County were in mourning Friday over the loss of Judy Barefoot McLeod.

"We just look out for each other back here," neighbor Vonnie Smith said. McLeod had lived in the home at 109 Buckskin Lane for more than 20 years.

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Neighbors mourn death of Harnett Co. woman

Neighbor Patricia McNeill said she became concerned Thursday when she saw McLeod's lights on and her car gone. She then went to the front door to investigate.

"I said, 'Miss Judy never ever goes to bed with any lights on,'" McNeill said.

She went to check on McLeod at about 10 p.m. only to find the door unlocked. "I seen two chairs laying on the floor, and I said, 'Something's wrong.'" McNeill said.

When Harnett County sheriff's deputies arrived, they found McLeod, 63, lying on the floor. Harnett County EMS declared her dead. Authorities did not release her cause of death.

“She didn’t do nobody harm. She was a good neighbor,” said Betty Walker, who lives next door. “She was very quiet, and I miss her so bad.”

Sheriff Larry Rollins said McLeod was likely killed Wednesday night, but she wasn't discovered until Thursday night when McNeill came over to check on her.

On Friday, investigators arrested Larry Donnell McDougald, 17, and charged him with murder. They have not given a motive. He lived in the area, officials said.

Deputies found McLeod's car, a 1989 Chevy Cavalier, in Fayetteville Thursday.