Murder suspect crashes car after woman found dead in South Toe

Murder warrant issued after woman found dead in South Toe community and suspect crashes nearby

SOUTH TOE, NC – A man is in custody at a Tennessee hospital after Yancey County deputies responded to a homicide in the quiet South Toe community Sunday evening, where a woman was found dead at the scene and the suspect later crashed his vehicle just miles away.

On November 2, deputies with the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office arrived on Twilight Way and discovered Emma Gibbs Deyton deceased. Authorities have since issued a murder warrant for Henry Paul Deyton in connection with her death.

Shortly after the incident, Henry Paul Deyton was involved in a single-vehicle crash near the homicide location. He was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee and remains hospitalized under the custody of the Johnson City Police Department.

Murder suspect crashes car after woman found dead in south toe - photo licensed by shore news network.
Murder suspect crashes car after woman found dead in south toe - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network

The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is ongoing with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Officials have not disclosed the nature of the victim’s injuries or a potential motive.

Deyton has not yet been formally charged in court due to his medical condition, but the murder warrant remains active. No additional details have been released regarding his relationship to the victim or events leading up to the fatal incident.

Key Points

  • Henry Paul Deyton is wanted for murder in the death of Emma Gibbs Deyton
  • Deputies found the victim deceased at a South Toe residence on November 2
  • Suspect crashed nearby and is currently in police custody while hospitalized