On the evening of March 1, 2019, a birthday gathering at Jim Harrell’s home in Carroll County ended in a deadly shooting. The party was for Harrell’s friend Marlee Jones Barnhill.

Michael Barnhill reportedly retrieved a .40 caliber handgun, slapped a cigarette from Marlee’s hand, then shot her in the chest. Jim Harrell and his wife, Brooks, moved to help Marlee and were each shot; Jim Harrell was killed while trying to defend Marlee, and Brooks Harrell was fatally wounded. Two other guests fled upstairs to protect the Harrells’ young son and hid until help arrived.

Michael Barnhill left the scene briefly, returned and was later identified by surviving witnesses. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts. The killings left the Harrells’ two sons without their parents. Does anyone have information about the night or knew the family and those involved?