News Summary

A tragic triple shooting in Cary, North Carolina, has left a mother, her son, and his girlfriend dead. The incident, linked to the son’s mental health struggles, has shocked the community. Investigators believe the son was responsible for the shooting before taking his own life. Family members emphasize the importance of mental health awareness, urging those in crisis to seek help.

Cary, North Carolina – Tragic Triple Shooting Claims Lives of Mother, Son, and Girlfriend

Incident Details and Initial Discovery

On Monday afternoon, Cary Police responded to a distressing scene at a residence on Smokemont Drive in the Linville Ridge neighborhood. Around 3 p.m., officers discovered the bodies of three individuals inside the home, all killed by gunshot wounds. The victims included 54-year-old Erica Alsye Holton, her 19-year-old son, Xavier Neil Holton, and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Aminah Michelle Guy.

Sequence of Events Leading Up to the Tragedy

According to police reports, Shawn Certain, Erica Holton’s husband and Xavier’s stepfather, was on the phone with Erica when he heard what he believed to be gunshots. The call abruptly dropped, prompting Certain to head home immediately. Upon arriving, he found Erica and Aminah dead inside the house, leading him to call emergency services. Authorities confirmed that all three victims had suffered gunshot injuries, initiating a homicide investigation.

Findings from the Investigation

Investigators recovered a firearm near the body of Xavier Holton, located upstairs in the residence. Evidence suggests that Xavier shot and killed his mother and girlfriend before taking his own life. Court documents indicate that Xavier was responsible for the shootings, with authorities confirming he shot and killed both Erica Holton and Aminah Guy prior to committing suicide.

The incident has deeply shocked the community and raised concerns about mental health and violence. Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public as they continue their investigation.

Mental Health Concerns and Family Statements

Family members have shared that Xavier Holton had been suffering from mental health struggles in the weeks leading up to the incident. His mother’s other daughter, Aminah Guy, had previously spoken about Xavier hearing voices, indicating ongoing mental health challenges. Despite awareness of Xavier’s condition, authorities have not confirmed if mental health issues directly influenced the tragic event.

Angela Guy, Aminah’s mother, has emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support services. She urged individuals experiencing mental health crises to seek help before situations turn tragic.

Community and Educational Impact

Aminah Guy was a recent graduate of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), having completed her freshman year. She was known as an ambitious student with future aspirations. NCCU Chancellor Karrie Dixon expressed condolences for her loss and acknowledged the impact on the university community. The university also offered support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.

It was reported that Xavier and Aminah had been in a romantic relationship for about a year. The couple had received scholarship funding to attend NCCU, further emphasizing the potential future they envisioned.

Public Awareness and Support Initiatives

Following the tragedy, community leaders and mental health advocates have stressed the significance of mental health awareness and access to support. They encourage individuals facing mental health struggles to reach out to available resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other support services for help.

Ongoing Investigation and Final Notes

The Cary Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting. They have confirmed that their inquiries remain active, but there is no ongoing threat to the public. Authorities are working to piece together the details of why the incident occurred and to support the family and community during this difficult time.

Summary of Key Facts:

• On Monday, Cary Police discovered three bodies inside a home on Smokemont Drive in the Linville Ridge neighborhood.
• The victims were identified as 54-year-old Erica Alsye Holton, her son Xavier Neil Holton, and his girlfriend Aminah Michelle Guy, all shot to death.
• Shawn Certain, Erica Holton’s husband and Xavier’s stepfather, was on the phone with Erica when he heard gunshots; he found the victims after arriving home.
• According to court documents, Xavier shot and killed his mother and girlfriend before taking his own life; a gun was found beside his body.
• Family members noted Xavier’s mental health struggles, including hearing voices prior to the incident.
• Aminah Guy was a recent college freshman with future ambitions, and her passing has deeply affected NCCU community members.
• The investigation is ongoing, with authorities confirming there is no threat to the public at this time.

Helpful Resources:

If anyone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises, they are encouraged to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text support services for immediate help.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• ABC11
• Wikipedia: Mental Health
• WRAL
• Google Search: Mental Health Support Services
• CBS17
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
• MYFOX8
• Google News: Cary Triple Shooting

Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.