Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: At 1:15 am on Monday, February 3, 2020 deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded to 156 Lunsford Lane in Union Grove in reference to a possible suicide.

When deputies arrived they searched the residence. They then located a female laying in the yard outside of the residence with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Deputy J. Hodges started performing CPR.

A witness was located in the home who indicated two males had run from the residence prior to the deputy’s arrival. A perimeter was established and deputies attempted to locate these men.

Iredell County EMS Arrived on the scene and pronounced the female victim deceased at 2:05 am. Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives were called to the scene.

A short time later, a man came to the crime scene telling investigators his son had contacted him by phone saying he needed a ride. Investigators were able to speak with Aaron Patrick Reavis by phone to get his location. Investigators met with Reavis on Ridgeline Road.

Reavis told sheriff’s office investigators, Gerald Issac Lunsford, had shot the female, and the reason he had run away from the residence was he scared he would have gotten shot also.

Later on in the morning, Gerald Issac Lunsford arrived at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. He agreed to be interviewed by investigators. While speaking about the incident, Lunsford made statements about shooting a rifle. He also said the reason he ran was due to being a convicted felon.

Based on statements by witnesses, by Lunsford and evidence gathered at the crime scene, investigators charged Gerald Issac Lunsford with Murder and Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Lunsford was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center where he went before Magistrate M. Nethken who issued a No Bond on the charges.

The victim has been identified as Jera Lee Wagoner, 40 Years Old of North Wilkesboro.