Family seeks answers after 3 relatives found dead in Rocky Mount
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Family members are seeking answers days after three relatives were found dead inside a Rocky Mount home, including whether the loss of electricity may have contributed to their deaths.
Police found three people dead Monday while conducting a welfare check at the residence. Family members identified the victims as husband and wife Tracey and Kenny Swann and their adopted daughter, Mahala Scurlock.
Relatives told Eyewitness News the family's electricity had been shut off days before the deaths. Family members are now seeking information about whether the loss of electricity may have contributed.
Family members said the household owed more than $2,000 on an unpaid electric bill. Relatives said that when the family attempted to pay half of the balance, the city would only accept full payment.
Eyewitness News contacted the city twice Thursday seeking information. After receiving no response, ABC11 went to City Hall and requested to speak with the city manager's office. A staff member said neither the city manager nor the assistant city manager was available to speak in person.
The city later responded by email, citing a policy that states customers who cannot pay their bills in full may make installment payments.
The questions surrounding the family's utility account come weeks after a State Auditor's Office investigation into potential overbilling for electric service by the city last year. Thousands of electric customers complained in late 2025 after receiving two electric bills in the same month.
The city said the additional bills were issued to address delays between utility meter readings and billing dates. The state auditor ultimately concluded that the city's actions did not cause customers to be double-billed.
City officials told Eyewitness News they could not comment on the family's specific billing situation.
The cause of death has not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
