Beloved Mom and Community Member Tina Marie Spencer and Boyfriend James Randolph Smith Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, VA — A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of Friday, December 5, 2025, leaving the Rocky Mount community grieving the loss of two local residents. At approximately 9:00 a.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive person inside a vehicle near the 1400 block of Patti Road.

When deputies arrived, they discovered two deceased individuals inside a red Honda SUV. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as 41-year-old Tina Marie (Brown) Spencer and 55-year-old James Randolph Smith, both of Rocky Mount. According to investigators, the two were known to one another, and the circumstances strongly indicate a murder–suicide. The case remains under investigation pending final findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke.

Authorities expressed condolences to the families, noting the added weight of such a tragedy during the holiday season.

A Community Mourns Tina Marie Spencer

Beyond the devastating details of the investigation, friends, family, and coworkers are remembering Tina Marie Spencer as a beloved mother, daughter, and friend whose kindness touched everyone around her. Tina Marie was known most for her unwavering devotion to her children and her warm, welcoming spirit that made others feel like family.

She was a longtime and respected employee of James River Equipment, where colleagues describe her as dependable, hardworking, and full of positivity. Her coworkers recall her smile, her humor, and the compassion she showed to those she worked with every day.

“Tina Marie was the kind of person who lit up a room,” one colleague shared. “She cared deeply about people and always tried to make life a little easier for everyone around her.”

Family members also describe her as a fiercely loving mother whose children were the center of her world. She poured her heart into her family and was known for her generosity, her strength, and her ability to bring joy even in difficult times.

A Difficult Loss for Many

As the Rocky Mount community processes the shock of this incident, loved ones are left grappling with heartbreak, seeking comfort in memories of happier times. Community members continue to express their sympathy and support for the affected families, emphasizing unity and compassion in the wake of such a painful event.

Authorities encourage anyone struggling with the emotional impact of this tragedy to seek support through local mental health resources or crisis services.