Man Kills Lawyer After Mediation Meeting With Wife: Police

A lawyer has been shot dead by a client following a mediation session with his wife, according to police in North Carolina.

Goldsboro police were called to the office of law firm Riddle & Brantley on Monday, December 19, after reports of a shooting at about 4:15 p.m.

They found the bodies of two men—attorney Patrick White, 42, and his client Francisco Sanchez, 46—according to ABC13.

Police believe the incident is a murder-suicide, with Sanchez killing White and then turning the gun on himself.

The Gun Violence Archive, a database that collects information about shootings across the country, said there had been four murder-suicides in North Carolina since November 1 this year. Eight people died in the incidents.

ABC13 reported that Sanchez and his wife Crystal Guerrero had arrived at the Riddle & Brantley office on North Spence Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

Gene Riddle, the law firm's founder, assisted with the mediation and said it had proceeded without incident and everyone seemed pleased with the outcome at about 4 p.m.

After the session, Guerrero asked to speak to Riddle privately. They were talking in another office when Sanchez came towards them with a gun.

Riddle told the channel he believed he had been shot and fell backward into his office, while Sanchez continued to fire his weapon.

White, who was standing close by, tried to stop Sanchez and was fatally shot.

Riddle told ABC13: "I'm telling you this, so you understand the heroic action of Mr. White. Patrick yelled [Sanchez's name) and asked him to stop. Patrick was saving us."

Riddle started to search for his daughter, who is also a lawyer at the firm, and saw Sanchez in the reception area. The lawyer told Sanchez to leave. Riddle then heard another gunshot and found Sanchez had shot himself.

A Riddle & Brantley statement shared on December 20 read: "It is with the deepest sorrow that the Riddle & Brantley family announces the sudden passing of Mr. Patrick White, attorney at law.

"Patrick was a skilled lawyer and a devoted, loving husband and father. His strong work ethic and dedication to excellence were coupled with genuine warmth and kindness. Patrick's commitment to the service of others and engaging personality endeared him to all.

"In his passing, Patrick displayed selfless courage in the face of unprovoked senseless violence. His heroic, decisive intervention averted further tragedy.

"The firm sincerely appreciates the overwhelming output of love and support we have received from friends and the community. Please keep Patrick's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Newsweek has contacted Goldsboro police and Riddle & Brantley for comment.