The Bertie County community is mourning the passing of Johnny Thomas, 54, of Windsor , who passed away on September 11, 2026.

According to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Bertie County Communications received a 911 call at 8:29 PM on 9/11/2026 from the 300 block of Green Cross Road in Windsor regarding a person in crisis.

An EMS employee was first on scene and found Thomas unresponsive. Upon arrival of additional EMS personnel and law enforcement, Thomas was identified and pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death as a suicide.

This is an active investigation, and officials have not released additional details at this time.

Thomas was known to many in the Windsor and greater Bertie County area. For those who knew him personally – as family, friend, and neighbor – this is a time of profound grief and shock. Loved ones are asking for privacy as they process this loss and make arrangements. The next of kin have been notified.

Many in the community are also aware that Thomas had been facing serious legal challenges in recent years.

According to information provided by the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office:

In 2021, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sex crime involving a child where Thomas was identified as the alleged perpetrator. That investigation led to his arrest on March 21, 2022 on 21 total sex crime charges.

After those initial charges, investigators say additional individuals came forward reporting that they were also victims and identifying Thomas as the alleged perpetrator. Following numerous interviews, investigators obtained additional charges and arrested Thomas again on April 3rd, 2023. He was released after satisfying conditions of his bond.

His trial had been scheduled for September 28, 2026.

Thomas had not been convicted of those charges and was presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed tonight that all victims associated with the case have been notified of this incident, as well as Thomas’s next of kin.

At times like this, a community holds many different emotions at once – grief, confusion, pain, and concern for all families involved. It is a moment to remember that every life touches many others, and that loss is felt deeply on all sides.

For those grieving the loss of Johnny Thomas, may you find comfort in your memories, in family, and in community support in the days ahead.

Funeral and memorial service information will be shared by the family when available.

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**If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available:**

Call or Text 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – available 24 hours a day in the US.
In Bertie County, you can also contact Mobile Crisis or dial 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Anyone with information related to the investigation at the 300 block of Green Cross Road is asked to contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office.