Orange County couple found dead at home were shot, Sheriff’s Office says

A couple found dead Wednesday morning in their rural Orange County home were shot, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Thomas Bradshaw Claytor, 55, and Jennifer Johnson Miles, 59, were found dead in the bathroom shower area of their home on Ramblewood Drive northwest of Carrboro, according to a news release. The couple was in a long-term relationship, it said.

A co-worker of Claytor had called 911 when he did not report for work Tuesday or Wednesday. A family member gave deputies permission to forcibly enter the home..

Investigators saw no signs of an intrusion or a struggle, according to the release.

They found a firearm between the bodies of Claytor and Miles. Both victims had been shot, but the Sheriff’s Office did not say what they think may have happened. An autopsy will be performed during which the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, the release said.

Anyone who had recent contact with Claytor or Miles, or anyone who has any information about their recent activities, is asked to call Investigator Walter Vila at 919-245-2907.

This story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 6:53 PM.