In a tragic occurrence that underscores the perils of domestic violence, Chartara Courtney, a 43-year-old mother of four, lost her life at the hands of her boyfriend last Monday in Harrisburg, in a case that has now galvanized the local community. Before committing suicide, Willie Wimbley, 47, reportedly shot Courtney in the driveway of her home while Cabarrus County deputies looked on, as per statements made to WCNC. The deputies had arrived responding to a disputed 911 call placed by Courtney.
Her brother, Darrius Courtney, expressed his deep sorrow in an interview with QC News, where he described Chartara as a "super mom". In the shadow of the stunning neighborhood, he had feared the worst upon arriving to the home on Hammerhill Road. "He took away one of the most precious things in my life," he said, lamenting his inability to protect his sister from what became an abusive relationship.
According to WBTV, a GoFundMe was established shortly after the incident to support Courtney's children, emphasizing that her life was "taken due to domestic violence." Courtney had moved to the Charlotte area from Augusta, Georgia, for a job promotion and a new beginning for herself and her children. She had previously been managing a Waffle House and, according to her brother, was not enthusiastic about Wimbley joining her in North Carolina.
Despite attempts to distance herself from Wimbley, and previous incidents of domestic violence recorded by the Union County Sheriff’s Office in August 2024, where efforts to prosecute were hindered by insufficient evidence, the situation ended tragically. The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise money specifically for the children's education, which was a priority of Courtney's, as per WBTV. "There’s only one word that would fit, and that is ‘coward.’ That was a cowardly act," said James Abraham, Courtney’s stepfather, seeking to highlight Chartara's nurturing nature and her efforts to better the lives of those around her.
As the community reels from the loss, Courtney's family desires that she be remembered honorably. "I want her to be honored, I want her to be mentioned with dignity and respect," her brother told QC News. Her family is currently making arrangements for her funeral in Augusta. In the wake of this devastating event, they call for increased awareness and action against domestic violence, for which support can be sought through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
