Brooks Wester, Edenton Resident and Mother of Four, Dies After Brutal Attack by School Counselor

The peaceful town of Edenton, North Carolina, is in shock and grief after the death of one of its residents, Brooks Wester, a mother of four children. Wester, 44, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from injuries sustained in an alleged assault by Donald Earl Lanier, a school counselor and social worker at Martin Millennium Academy in Tarboro, North Carolina.

According to the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, Lanier, 47, was arrested on January 9, 2024, after fleeing the scene of the crime, where he reportedly beat Wester, resulting in serious bodily injury. He was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and driving while impaired, and is being held on a $500,000 bond at the Chowan County Jail. The sheriff’s office also stated that the charges against Lanier are expected to be upgraded to murder soon.

Who Was Brooks Wester?

Brooks Wester was not just a resident of Edenton, but a beloved member of the community. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her family and friends.

She has a degree in Pharmacy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked as a pharmacy technician at the Vidant Chowan Hospital, where she was respected and appreciated by her colleagues and patients. She was also an active volunteer at the Edenton United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and a choir member.

Wester is survived by her husband, John Wester, and her four children, ages 8 to 16. She also leaves behind her parents, siblings, and many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Edenton United Methodist Church, followed by a burial at the Beaver Hill Cemetery.

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A Sense of Outrage and Injustice

The death of Brooks Wester has sparked a sense of outrage and injustice among the residents of Edenton and beyond. Many people have expressed their condolences and support to the Wester family, as well as their anger and disbelief at the alleged perpetrator, Lanier. Lanier, who has worked as a school counselor and social worker at Martin Millennium Academy since 2018, has been suspended with pay since January 4, 2024, based on prior concerns. He has no previous criminal record, but some of his former colleagues and students have described him as unstable, aggressive, and unprofessional.

The motive behind the alleged assault is still unclear, but some sources have suggested that Lanier and Wester had a personal relationship that turned violent. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact them at (252) 482-8484.

A Call for Justice and Healing

As the community of Edenton mourns the loss of Brooks Wester, they also call for justice and healing. They demand that Lanier be held accountable for his actions and face the full extent of the law. They also hope that the Wester family can find peace and comfort in their time of sorrow. They urge everyone to remember Wester as a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a compassionate human being.

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Edenton, North Carolina, is a town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. It has faced many challenges and tragedies over the years, but it has always overcome them with resilience and solidarity. The death of Wester is a tragic loss, but it is also a reminder of the value of life and the importance of kindness. As the town grieves, it also honors the legacy of Wester and strives to make Edenton a better place for everyone.

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