Triad law enforcement react to the stand-off that left 5 people dead including 2 deputies The Watauga County deputies were responding to a welfare check at the home in Boone when a gunman opened fire. Author: Adaure Achumba Updated: 9:38 AM EDT April 30, 2021 WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — The Watauga County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the suspect and the other victims in Wednesday's stand-off. Investigators said 61-year-old Michelle Ligon and 58-year-old George Ligon were the mother and stepfather of the suspected gunman, Isaac Barnes. Mrs. Ligon worked for the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority. Authorities said Barnes shot the couple along with two Watauga County deputies. The deputies were responding to do a welfare check at the home on Hardaman Circle after co-workers said the homeowner hadn't shown up to work and was not picking phone calls.