WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — The district attorney’s office in Watauga County released findings from its investigation Friday after a 2021 standoff that left five dead.
Sgt. Chris Ward and Dep. Logan Fox were shot and killed during a 13-hour standoff in Boone in April 2021.
Investigators said the suspect, Isaac Barnes, also killed his mother and stepfather before taking his own life.
Law enforcement from several agencies spent hours trying to get to the victims.
“The actions of law enforcement personnel at 553 Hardaman Cir. often rose to the highest levels of heroism as they sought to fulfill their oaths to protect and to serve our community and their comrades against the violent acts of Isaac Barnes,” the district attorney stated.
The district attorney said the officers’ actions and the use of deadly force were justified.
PAST COVERAGE:
- ‘Use caution’: BOLO issued for Boone shooter days before deadly standoff
- Sheriff: Man killed mother, stepfather before shooting 2 deputies at Boone home
- ‘She loved people’: Friends remember victims killed in Boone shootings
- Deputies killed by ‘heavily armed’ gunman may have prevented larger attack, sheriff says
(Watch below: ‘She loved people’: Mother, one of four killed in Boone standoff, remembered by community)
©2022 Cox Media Group