Detectives say they were called to the Baughn home Sunday and found 36-year-old Abigail Alexander Baughn dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Abigail Baughn was an assistant principal at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines who worked with eleventh and twelfth graders.
While school was not in session Monday, district officials said news of Baughn's death is a heavy blow to students. The superintendant says she was well liked and broke new ground in the two years she was on the job.
"When she actually went to Pinecrest, she was the only female on a team of male administrators so it was a brand new experience," explained Dr. Susan Purser.
Meanwhile, students from Pinecrest got word of the murder through an automated message and texts.
"She was always happy. Everytime I saw her she was smiling," said 10th grader Corienne Whitfield.
"If I ever had a problem, I would go to Mrs. Baughn and talk to her," said Lytel Freeman. "She kept just about everybody out of trouble. She gave everyone good advice from school work to personal. If you had some problems you could go to her and talk to her about anything and she kept everyone happy."
Investigators have not given a motive for the killing.
Randy Baughn's first court appearance is set for June 1.
