Scotland County, North Carolina — The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office stated Monday that they have resurrected a 40-year-old double murder investigation in an effort to find new leads and ultimately bring someone accountable.
“40 years ago today, November 18, 1984, we had a double homicide across the street at the business. It was called the P&D Mart at the time. [Those] slain were Dora Breeden and Pat Gentry. The Breeden family is here right now. They’ve asked that we reopen the case. So, just after midnight on November 18, two people were slain inside the business. The store caught fire. And what we’re searching for is evidence that a lot has changed 40 years later. People have passed away. We are only hoping that someone will recall something. Alternatively, you may have heard something throughout the years that can help restart this case. “And maybe finally bring this family some closure,” said Cpt. Randy Dover.
Breeden and Gentry were dating in addition to being business partners.
Breeden’s 12-year-old niece, Kagenia Strickland, recalls the night of the killing.
Strickland stated that she was inside the business earlier that evening with her father.
“I stayed there till late that night. My aunt was my mother’s sister and greatest friend. And we spent many nights there with them. We will just stay the night and spend all of our time together. My father had killed a deer, and we were all the way in the back, so we had spent the entire night in the store. And we were there late, processing deer flesh. And then we departed. And left my mother there. My mother was there shortly before my aunt was killed. My aunt was on the phone with her daughter, which was the only reason she came home that night. She realized she had to either come home or phone us. She couldn’t call us, so she returned home. My mother was the last family member to see her alive at night. We simply want answers. “We want closure,” stated Strickland.
Breeden’s son was 13 years old, and her daughter was 16 when she died.
Kimberly Breeden said the day her mother died was eternally ingrained in her memory, even 40 years later.
“I remember that day. Forty years is a long time, but I recall that day as if it were yesterday. And I recall my final talk with my mother. I recall being in the store that day. So does my brother, though he does it vaguely. But I remember it as if it were yesterday. Kimberly added, “Who would have thought that would be my last time seeing my mom?”
She stated the last 40 years without her mother have been difficult.