GAMEWELL, N.C. -- Caldwell County deputies are investigating an attempted murder suicide at a home after officials say 77-year-old Robert Clontz, known to friends as Carol, shot his granddaughter-in-law Sheba Clontz and then took his own life.

  • Sheba Clontz is in the hospital with serious injuries
  • Neighbors say Carol was a sweet man who walked the neighborhood and helped everyone
  • Those who knew him hope to get more answers soon

Family did not want to go on camera, but say they are still piecing together what happened. Sheba is in the hospital with serious injuries. Neighbors say Carol was a sweet man who walked the neighborhood and helped everyone.

It's something workers at Melissa and Friends restaurant are trying to understand as well. They say Carol sat in a booth every day for breakfast and lunch.

“It's not like him. He's a nice kind, sweet person. He's a Christian man. He prayed every meal,” restaurant employee Amanda Messer said. “If he didn't know you, he would still talk to you.”

Emily Lackey says she's been bringing his wife breakfast since each day since the shooting, the same way Clontz used.

“He was somebody who could walk in you could be having the worst day ever and he would make you smile. He was polite and kind and so loving,” Lackey said.

Friends say there were some family issues and a possible custody battle going on prior to the shooting.

“With his granddaughter-in-law, it was a touch and go situation. It breaks my heart it happened, but it's hard to wrap my brain around it completely,” Lackey said.

Those who knew him hope to get more answers soon.