ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) — An Elizabeth City wife was originally listed as a victim following an August 2 home invasion in Elizabeth City that left her husband dead. 

She’s now charged with his murder. 

Angel Marie Sawyer, 45, is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of 55-year-old Milton Henry Sawyer Jr., the Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday. Also charged is 38-year-old Isaac Dustin Melcher. 

The fatal assault happened just after midnight on August 2 at 1824 Darian Drive, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said that Angel Sawyer was taken to the hospital following the attack, but was later released. 

Following the attack, a woman who works across the street from the couple’s antique store, “The Treasure Hunter,” told 10 On Your Side that the Sawyers “adored each other” and that “we should all wish for such a happy marriage.”

A memorial now sits in downtown Elizabeth City,  near Milton Sawyer’s store.

Neighbor Josh Springstein explains what it’s been like for the community while they waited for an arrest.

“We were worried because we didn’t know, they didn’t catch anybody, they had no suspects at the time, so we were like ‘oh well if this is random like they said, what stops him or her from coming back to the neighborhood?'” said Springstein.

Springstein learned about Angel Sawyer’s arrest Tuesday afternoon.

He says the entire time it was hard for him to believe a home invasion happened in his quiet, tight knit neighborhood.

Now,  neighbors say they won’t be as worried falling asleep at night, but say they feel for the children of both Milton and Angel.

Angel Sawyer and Isaac Melcher were denied bond in a hearing on Thursday.

“A lot of times when you look at the details of stuff, you don’t have to be an investigator or police officer, just stuff doesn’t add up and I guess when I saw it, I was like that doesn’t add up to me,” Springstein said.

The sheriff’s office hasn’t released additional information regarding the arrests, citing an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional info is asked to the contact the sheriff’s office 252-338-2191 or the Crime Line at 252-335-5555.