Edgecombe County Public Schools counselor charged with murder in woman's death

An Edgecombe County Public Schools employee has been charged with murder in a woman's death.

Donald Lanier, who is listed as a counselor and social worker at Martin Millennium Academy in Tarboro, was arrested on Tuesday.

Chowan County deputies responded to a call on Bella Vista Drive in Edenton Tuesday morning along with EMS after the woman, Brooks Smith, was assaulted. Smith suffered serious head trauma from the incident and was taken to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where she died.

Lanier was also accused of assaulting a government official or employee and resisting a public officer on Jan. 2.Edgecombe County Public Schools said Lanier was terminated and had been suspended with pay since Jan. 4 based on prior concerns. Lanier has been employed with the district since March of 2022.

"We are deeply troubled by this news," an ECPS spokesperson said in a statement.

Counseling staff is available to students and staff who need support.