EDEN, N.C. (WGHP/WAVY) — A Newport News man is accused of killing a North Carolina physician in what police believe was the culmination of a custody dispute.
Just before 3 p.m. Sunday, police were called to Freedom Park in Eden, North Carolina, about a shooting “in progress.” They say patrol officers were on the scene within a minute of dispatch, and arrested John Michael Powell, of Newport News, as he was driving away from the park.
The victim was Gwendolyn Lavonne Riddick, of Eden. She was found beside her car with “numerous” gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
UNC Health confirmed that Riddick was a physician within their system, sharing the following statement:
UNC Health was saddened to learn about the tragic loss of Dr. Gwendolyn Riddick, a much-loved OB/GYN with UNC Women’s Health at Eden. Our thoughts are with her family and we will provide support for her teammates and patients.
UNC Health
Police say that they believe Riddick’s killing resulted from “ongoing domestic issues” between Powell and Riddick, who have a child together.
Powell was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of discharging a weapon into occupied property. He was given no bond.
Chief Simpson with Eden Police Department called it a senseless and tragic loss of life but expressed pride in his officers’ quick response.
