A North Carolina couple, their adopted niece, and their three pet dogs were found dead in their Rocky Mount home on Monday, with relatives attributing the tragedy to the misuse of a generator following a power disconnection. The Rocky Mount Police Department is investigating the deaths of Tracey and Kenneth Swann, and Mahala Scurlock, who were discovered by police responding to a welfare check.
According to Hannah Scurlock, Mahala's older sister, Tracey Swann had attempted to pay a portion of their electric bill, but the city required the full amount. Following the disconnection of power, Kenneth Swann reportedly obtained a generator to provide electricity to the home. Investigators are examining whether the generator was operated inside the residence, which could have led to a fatal buildup of carbon monoxide.
Tracey Swann, 63, and Kenneth Swann, 56, had adopted Hannah and Mahala Scurlock after their parents died. Hannah Scurlock recounted arriving at the home for a welfare check after not hearing from the family over the weekend and finding no response to her calls and knocks.
Krista Crisp, Tracey's daughter, also told WRAL News that she believes the power shutoff played a role in her mother's death. Crisp stated that the power to the family's mobile home was disconnected just days before they were found deceased. She noted that her mother, the sole working member of the household, was unable to pay the full amount owed in installments.
Mahala Scurlock was described by her sister as a loving and sweet individual who was studying to become a veterinarian at Alamance Community College. Hannah Scurlock recalled a close family relationship, characterized by laughter, play, and shared activities.
Rocky Mount Police Chief Martin McCoy Sr. stated that the department is "looking at every angle" but indicated that utility bills would not be part of the investigation, classifying it as a matter for the family to address with the utilities department. Neighbor Demetrius Wright mentioned that the family owed over $2,000 in electricity bills and that Kenneth Swann had paid $1,000 before retrieving a generator from his mother's house.
Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson has requested the City Manager to explore options for greater flexibility in utility payment policies for residents making good-faith efforts to pay their bills, while ensuring the system's integrity. The deaths occur amid ongoing issues in the area related to billing, late fees, and power disconnections. An investigation by the State Auditor's Office was previously launched into claims of overcharging for electric service, though a subsequent report found no instances of customers being double-billed. A prior audit had indicated significant overspending had brought the city close to financial collapse.