Tragic Deaths in Rocky Mount: What We Know So Far

What Happened?

On Monday morning, police in Rocky Mount, North Carolina found three people dead inside a mobile home on King Charles Court. The victims were:

• Tracey Swann and Kenny Swann – a married couple
• Mahala Scurlock, age 20 – Tracey’s adopted daughter
• Three family dogs were also found dead

Important: Police say there is no sign of foul play and no danger to neighbors.

Timeline of Events

What Might Have Caused This?

Investigators are looking into whether a generator was running inside the home.

Why is that dangerous?

• Generators burn fuel (like gas or propane)
• They produce carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless, deadly gas
• If used indoors or in enclosed spaces, CO builds up fast
• Breathing it in can cause unconsciousness and death within minutes

Callout: Never run a generator inside a home, garage, or near open windows. Always keep it at least 20 feet away from doors and windows.

The Electricity Connection

Family members say the power had been shut off recently.

Key details:

• The family’s utility bill was over $2,000
• Tracey was the only one working
• She tried making partial payments, but the city required the full amount
• Rocky Mount has had billing problems for months
• The city recently restarted late fees and power shutoffs for unpaid bills

Important: The police chief said the utility billing history is not part of the criminal investigation. He said billing issues are something the family would need to discuss with the utilities department.

What the Family Says

• Krista Crisp (Tracey’s daughter): Her mom’s power was cut off, and she thinks that may have led to using a generator inside.
• Elizabeth Scurlock (niece): “They would give you the clothes off their back… They mean the world to us. This is still very hard.”

The city of Rocky Mount did not respond to questions about:

• Exactly when the power was disconnected
• Whether partial payments were made
• How long the bill had been unpaid

What Happens Next?

1. Medical Examiner will perform autopsies to determine the official cause of death
2. Police are “looking at every angle” – but so far, no crime is suspected
3. The family is grieving and seeking answers

Summary

• Three people and three dogs found dead in a Rocky Mount mobile home
• Possible carbon monoxide poisoning from an indoor generator
• Family says electricity was cut off due to a $2,000+ unpaid bill
• City recently resumed shutoffs and late fees after months of billing issues
• Police: No foul play, no public danger
• Official cause of death pending from the Medical Examiner

FAQ

1. What is carbon monoxide?

It’s a gas you can’t see or smell that comes from burning fuel. It replaces oxygen in your blood and can kill quickly in closed spaces.

2. Why would someone run a generator inside?

Usually because the power is out and they’re trying to stay warm, keep food cold, or run medical devices. But it’s extremely dangerous.

3. Did the city cut the power on purpose?

Yes. Rocky Mount restarted disconnections for unpaid bills after pausing them due to billing errors. The family owed over $2,000.

4. Is the city responsible for the deaths?

That’s not clear yet. Police say the billing issue isn’t part of their investigation. The family may pursue answers through the utilities department or legal channels.

5. How can I stay safe during a power outage?

• Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors
• Install battery-powered CO detectors on every level of your home
• Have a plan for warmth, food, and medical needs during outages
• Contact your utility company early if you can’t pay – ask about payment plans or assistance programs

This article is based on public reporting from WRAL News and official police statements. Information may update as the investigation continues.