Authorities: Tarboro assisted living resident was strangled

First responders were called to Open Fields Assisted Living, at 3210 Western Blvd., on April 5 about an unresponsive resident and found 75-year-old Rebecca Eudy dead.

According to her death certificate, Eudy had been asphyxiated and suffered traumatic injuries to her neck from manual strangulation.

The document provides no details as to who might have killed Eudy, and no arrests have been made.

Police said they have persons of interest in the case, but the declined to say if they are Open Fields residents, staff members, visitors or a mix of the three groups.

Eudy was charged with assault in December following an altercation with another Open Fields resident, a 46-year-old man who allegedly exposed himself to her.

Open Fields is an adult care facility, so it houses not only the elderly but also people with disabilities, including severe and persistent mental illness.

The 46-year-old was no longer a resident when Eudy was strangled.

Open Fields administrators issued a statement Thursday saying they are working with investigators.

"We have been collaborating closely with our local professional police department. Our facility has been receiving continual support from these fine officers," the statement reads. "It is always our intention to provide a safe environment for our residents and guests. As this is still an open investigation, we cannot comment any further."

Eudy's daughter filed a complaint Wednesday with the state Department of Health and Human Services after learning that her mother's death was being treated as a homicide. State inspectors were at Open Fields on Thursday.

An Edgecombe County deputy was stationed at the front door of the facility, but officials said Open Fields hired off-duty deputies to provide extra security following Eudy's death.