Deon Denee Ledbetter, age 29
Unsolved Crimes is currently investigating this case, although the authorities have ruled it an accidental death by a hit-and-run vehicle. We have numerous questions regarding these deaths; foremost is that concerning any possible witnesses near the scene.
On Friday, September 18, 1998, at 8:30 p.m., Tina left her home at 448 Dry Creek Rd. in Candor, NC, and drove her 1992 Lexus to Biscoe, NC, where she picked up Deon Ledbetter at his home to go to a 10:00 p.m. movie in Greensboro. Biscoe is about 13 miles from Tina's home. At approximately 9:30 p.m. that same evening, Tina's car was found parked on the US 220 Bypass, approximately 10.3 miles south of Asheboro and .68 miles southwest of Seagrove. The vehicle was parked about six inches off the northbound right lane, on the shoulder.
Both Tina and Deon were found dead in the left northbound lane of the roadway. Death is believed to have occurred when an unidentified vehicle ran over the couple as they were fighting in the roadway. It has not been determined if one or both victims were dead prior to being run over by a semi truck that stopped at the scene and reported hitting the victims. Investigating officers reported no signs of broken glass from lights or any parts from other vehicles at the scene. The officers reported that a female witness followed Tina's car from Biscoe to a few yards from where the Lexus stopped, a total distance of about 12 miles. The name of that witness was never given. The victims' bodies were found approximately 93 feet apart. Authorities allegedly have spoken to a witness who observed Tina and Deon fighting in the roadway; however, the name of that witness has not been determined by Tina's family. That witness allegedly rode by the scene prior to the couple's being run over and gave the information to authorities by phone. That witness also later told some people in an Asheboro grocery store of the couple fistfighting in the roadway. There was no evidence of gunshot or knife wounds on either victim, and no weapons were found at the scene. The accident was reported by a truck driver who said a man was struck byan 18-wheeler while the man was trying to catch a dog in the roadway. However, authorities do not believe a dog was involved in the case. Inside the Lexus, which was found with its motor running and headlights on, ne of Tina's earrings was found on the driver's seat, and the other earring was found on the floor near the brake pedal. Authorities maintain this indicates a struggle which probably started inside the vehicle and continued into the roadway.
Family members say that the couple was getting along fine with each other before leaving for Greensboro. Medical authorities believe that Deon was alive when a vehicle hit him; however, they have been unable to determine if Tina was alive when struck by a vehicle. Toxicology reports on Tina indicate no traces of ethanol, cocaine, or morphine. Toxicology reports on Deon indicate elevated levels of Benzoylecgonine and cocaine, with the stomach have strong odor of alcohol.
Tina's family received information that some unknown person had observed the Lexus stopped by a patrol car that evening. We need information about that witness or from that witness.
A witness has indicated to authorities that he observed Deon straddling Tina in the roadway. We need information about that witness or from that witness.
Did anyone see Deon driving the Lexus that night?
Did anyone see the couple stopped in the car at the scene; exiting the car; entering the roadway on foot?
Were any of the doors of the Lexus found to be opened or locked when authorities arrived at the scene?
Any information regarding fingerprint results from the interior or exterior of the Lexus.
If you have any information that may help us in any way, please fax us at 210-828-4867 or write to us at:
Unsolved Crimes
PMB #144
6338 N. New Braunfels
San Antonio, Texas 78209