'Beautiful soul:' Mother of 2 killed in apparent murder-suicide, family speaks out for domestic violence resources

A mother of two is dead, killed in what Sampson County deputies are calling a murder-suicide.

Identified as Toni Ann White by her family members, loved ones say she had recently warned her son not to come to the house – because of the dangers happening at home.

On Saturday night, White sent out a text to her 19-year-old son telling him not to come home because her husband was upset. Sunday morning, her son arrived at the house to find the bodies of his mother and stepfather.

The Sampson County Sheriffs Office is calling it a murder-suicide.

“No one should find someone they love in that way," said her ex-husband Joseph Salentino.

Now, Salentino is speaking out about her tragic death, saying not enough is being done to protect victims of domestic violence. He would like to see more resources like InterAct that can get people access to the help they need.

He says his former wife was a great mom who always looked out for the best interest of their sons.

"She was a great mother," he said. "She was always there for her kids."

He says White suffered abuse from her husband – and had even pressed charges, only to drop them later by not showing up to court.

“I think women and men, some are afraid to come forward. Some of them are afraid to say things," he said. "They need police to advocate for them.”

Is there enough being done to protect domestic violence victims?

Damien Talley with the Durham Crisis Response Center is on the front line of helping victims of domestic violence. He says agencies will help victims develop a safety plan to get them out of an abusive relationship.

"I think things are improving, but there's definitely a lot more work to do. I think there needs to be a lot more resources available," he said.

Salentino firmly believes that his ex-wife was trying to find a way out.

“She wanted to get to a better place and be happy again," said Salentino.

There are crisis center that can connect people in need with resources, shelter and an escape plan. The Durham Crisis Response Center and InterAct of Wake County are two organizations that provide help and resources. There's also U Care, Inc. in Sampson County.

White'e son has created a GoFundMe to help as he navigates the sudden loss of his mother.

"I am alone and have no one near me to help me out with any bills or expenses of hers," he wrote. "My mother was my best friend, with a beautiful soul who was taken to soon. I have no words or strength."

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). For county-by-county help, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a list of resources at nccadv.org.

Here are some additional resources:

• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) provides resources, safety plans and financial education.
• Wake County residents can call the InterAct crisis line at 919-828-7740 or go to interactofwake.org.