Linda Shaw Thomas was attacked in her Raeford home on Dundee Circle around 4 a.m. Monday.
Hoke County Sheriff, Hubert Peterkin tells Eyewitness News Thomas was killed by her estranged husband, Allen Thomas. Linda Thomas called 911 around 4 a.m. when she realized Allen Thomas had broken into her home. Officials say sounds from the attack could be heard on the tape. Thomas was stabbed more than 20 times according to Peterkin.
Linda Thomas, 47, had been on staff at Hoke County High School for more than 25 years. She and Allen Thomas, 51, have two college age children - a daughter at Fayetteville State University and a son at East Carolina University. The couple also had two foster children living at home with Linda Thomas. Officials say one of the girls witnessed the attack.
After two years of on-again off-again separations, Linda Thomas placed a domestic violence order against Allen Thomas last summer.
Allen Thomas ran away from the scene before officers arrived. Investigators believe they've recovered the murder weapon. "I'm sure he's out there looking for someone to help him. We just encourage him to come on in," Sheriff Peterkin said.
If you have any information about Thomas' location, contact the Hoke County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible.
