Autopsy: Couple was shot

By Donna Swicegood

A Union Grove couple found slain in their home Friday morning died of gunshot wounds, authorities said.

Autopsies conducted Saturday morning at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem concluded that James Powell, 75, and his wife, Delet Reid Powell, 71, were shot to death, said Lt. Stanley Watkins of the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.

Watkins said there were weapons in the house but "there were none we believe were used in the crime."

The couple was found around 9:30 a.m. Friday by their daughter, who had stopped by to check on them.

The Powells were found in the kichen of the brick home on West Memorial Highway in Union Grove.

Powell, who owned and operated stores in various parts of Iredell County, liked to restore old cars, particularly 1940s-era Fords.

Friends of the couple described the Powells as nice people who were willing to help out anyone who needed it.

Sheriff Phil Redmond was one of those who knew the couple personally and he said he was shocked by their deaths. "I've never known them to have any problems with anybody," he said Friday.

Watkins said the investigation is still in its early stages. "We're still going out and doing interviews with folks that knew them," he said Saturday afternoon.

The couple was last seen alive around 5 p.m. Thursday by a family member, and authorities are looking for anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the neighborhood between Thursday night and Friday morning when the bodies were discovered.

Watkins said anyone with information concerning the Powells can call the sheriff's office at (704) 878-3180.