Robbinsville – In a case that has lingered for over five years, Garrel Alvah Orr, 82, pleaded guilty Monday in the death of his daughter-in-law, Lora Orr in February 2018.
Orr was sentenced 70-96 months in the state department of adult correction in Raleigh.
Prosecutor Micheal Van Buren read the facts of the case, including Garrel stating the reason why he killed Lora Orr while at the scene.
“Because she was stupid,” Orr said at the time.
Lora was shot in the mouth Feb. 12, 2018 at 100 Long Branch Road. Her four children were in the house during the murder.
During Garrel’s Sept. 27, 2018 hearing, it was stated in the facts that he took out his .380 semi-automatic pistol from under his pillow and shot Lora. Garrel stated that is his daughter-in-law had scissors and threatened him in some degree. He claimed self-defense, but the physical evidence did not support this.
Karen and Todd Cunningham – the parents of Lora Orr – are in the process of adopting their four grandchildren.
“Their concern and their question that they will not probably get an answer to is, ‘Why?,’’’ Van Buren said. “Why are these kids now left without a mom?”
The Cunningham’s agreed to a no-contact order with Orr, for the couple and the children.
Orr was not present during the court-calendar call Monday because he was in Harris Regional Hospital for health issues. District Superior Court Judge William Coward clarified that is was not for mental problems, but just physical.
Orr will be 83 this month. The left side of his body is paralyzed. He has polio and a disfigured hand.
Garrel was questioned early on in the investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, but released on the recommendation of former assistant district attorney Eric Bellas. Orr was later arrested Aug. 13, 2018 and charged with first-degree murder.
On Sept. 27, 2018, Orr bonded out with a bail of $100,000. His lawyer Robert Hensley said Orr had lived at home six months after the shooting without incident and he was not a flight risk. Coward ruled he could move into his nephew’s trailer, but only leave to go to the store and doctor.