St. Aug's defends convicted felons who run kids program

Two employees who work with young children at St. Augustine's University in Raleigh are convicted killers, court records show, but the university is standing behind them. 

Doris Bullock, who works as an assistant vice president at the university, was convicted of second-degree murder in Halifax County in 1981. Her assistant, Deidra Gary, shot and killed her husband, Carolina Panthers player Fred Lane, at their Mecklenburg County home. 

She was convicted of manslaughter in 2003. 

The women both work with Kiddie Kollege, a summer school program for children ages 5 to 9. 

Though several parents told WRAL News on Thursday that they had no idea about the women's pasts, the school said it was aware of their criminal history. 

"Mrs. Bullock and Ms. Gary have both paid their debts to society and are exemplary employees and outstanding contributors to our community," the university said in a statement to parents of children enrolled in Kiddie Kollege.

St. Aug's officials added that employees go through background checks and are thoroughly vetted to ensure safety. They did not suggest that any change would be made to Bullock or Gary's employment, but did say they are talking with legal counsel about how to move forward.