A Pender County man has pleaded guilty in the stabbing death of his girlfriend.
Tony Allen Harris, 41, of Rocky Point, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Friday in the stabbing death of 50-year-old Debra Gail Long who was discovered dead in her home on June 16, 2012, according to District Attorney Ben David.
Harris appeared before Superior Court Judge W. Allen Cobb in Pender County Superior Court for his plea, David said. He was scheduled for trial on July 28.
“Long suffered 14 stab wounds to her face, neck and chest,” David said. Harris was charged with murder early in the investigation by detectives with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.
“Cases of domestic violence receive by my office’s full attention and this case was not different,” David said. “We are happy to bring this result to Ms. Long’s family and look forward to giving them the opportunity to speak on their mother’s behalf at the time of sentencing.”
Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. July 29 in Pender County Superior Court.
