Deputies were called to a home just north of Rolesville at about 5 a.m.Wednesday. They found Darlene Smith lying on the lawn with a gunshot woundto the back of her head. Her husband, Ortega Darryl Smith, was sitting onthe front steps.
Investigators believe he may have shot his wife as she tried to leave.
Neighbor Cathy McCarle told WRAL-TV5'sAmanda Lambthat she heard the gunshot.
The Wake County Sheriff's department had never been called to this homefor a domestic dispute before, but on Wednesday morning found DarleneSmith shot with a .22 caliber rifle. Her husband Ortega Darryl Smith, whogoes by the name of Darryl, placed a call to 9-1-1.
Captain Macks Pickett of the Wake County Sheriff's department says thehusband was immediately taken into custody.
It appears Darlene Smith had her bags packed and was trying to leavewhen she was shot. Counselors say this is not surprising. InteractDirector Lucinda Drago says victims have a 75 percent greater chance ofbeing killed when they leave their abusive partners.
This, she says, is the reason many victims stay with abusive partners
Darlene Smith was taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery. TheSmiths have no children.
If you or someone you know suffers from abuse, these are the numbers tocall for help. In Wake County call 919-828-7740, in Durham County,919-688-2372, in Orange County, 919-929-7122, and in Cumberland County,910-822-3070.
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