Investigators: Spring Lake man shot parents then himself

James Thompson, 37, called 911 Saturday morning just before 10 a.m. to report finding the bodies of his parents – Carolyn F. Thompson, 61, and James Howard Thompson, 67, – and his brother, Richard William David Thompson, 22.

James Thompson told sheriff's deputies that he called his parents' house early Saturday and got no answer. Deputies have not established a timeline for the deaths, according to Maj. Gary C. McNeill of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office.

McNeill said the Thompsons also have two daughters. One lives in Hope Mills and the other in Wilmington.

A friend, Shannon Thompson, who is not related to the deceased, said she arrived at the home with James Thompson.

"Jimmy told me he'd be right back, and he walked into the house, and next thing you know, two to three minutes later, he's screaming my name, 'Shannon, Shannon, Shannon. My brother killed my family,'" she said.

A gun was in Richard Thompson's hand, she said.

She said they found Richard and James Thompson in a bedroom and Carolyn Thompson in the living room.

Finding the bodies of her friend's parents and brother will haunt her, she said.

"It plays back in your head, over and over. You never forget something like that," Shannon Thompson said.

Investigators were continuing to look for a motive for the deaths.