Suspect In Rest Home Homicide Undergoes Mental Evaluation

Investigators are calling the death of a woman at a Northampton County rest home a homicide.

Another resident of the home is a suspect and is undergoing a mental evaluation at Cherry Hill Hospital in Goldsboro.

According to a preliminary autopsy report, Vella Mae Lassiter was smothered.

Sheriff Wardie Vincent said Lassiter was found in another resident's room at Roanoke Valley Assisted Living. She was unresponsive.

In the last six months, the Department of Social Services has substantiated nearly a dozen complaints against the facility, including not overseeing residents' care.