Garner Woman Admits To Shooting Her 32-Year-Old Live-In Ex-Boyfriend To Death
GARNER, NC – A woman from Garner has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after initially facing murder charges for the shooting death of her ex-boyfriend. Peggy Sylvania Yarborough, 62, was sentenced to four years and three months to six years and two months in prison, but she has already served a significant portion of her sentence, receiving 1,069 days—almost three years—of credit for time served.
The incident occurred on October 31, 2021, following a tumultuous night between Yarborough and the victim, Delquan Douglas, 32. Officers from the Garner Police Department reported that the couple had been involved in a domestic disturbance earlier that evening. Although they had recently broken up, they were still living together.
According to police reports, Douglas wanted Yarborough to leave the residence, but officers informed him that she would need to be formally evicted. After officers arrived at the scene, Douglas reported that they had verbally argued and that Yarborough had left. He requested that police contact her and ask her to stay somewhere else for the night, but they could not guarantee she would not return.
When officers contacted Yarborough, she confirmed there had been no physical altercation. However, she mentioned that she had a gun and would use it if she felt threatened. The police advised her that she was legally allowed to own a firearm and use it if necessary. Yarborough indicated she had another place to stay but eventually returned to the residence.
Less than an hour after the initial call, Yarborough contacted 911 to report that she had shot and killed Douglas.
“I had to shoot this man,” she said. “He launched at me.”
However, Yarborough also told the 911 dispatcher that she did not believe Douglas was armed.
The incident’s details reveal a tragic culmination of escalating tensions between the former couple. Yarborough’s sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the complex dynamics often present in domestic disputes.
Police said they last spoke to Yarborough after she pulled into the driveway. She allegedly said she was going inside the residence. According to documents, police recommended that she keep her distance from Douglas. She allegedly said that she would.
“I can’t tell you what she was thinking,” said Garner Police Capt. Mike McIver regarding the situation leading up to the shooting.
The incident’s details reveal a tragic culmination of escalating tensions between the former couple. Yarborough’s sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the complex dynamics often present in domestic disputes.