Cops dig deeper in "suicide" now called suspicious
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Police initially believed Sarah Catherine Long's death was a suicide. The 41-year-old was found dead of a single gunshot wound to her head in bed in her Davidson, N.C. home on July 23.
It wasn't until last month that authorities said they believe she was killed. Police say she had a gun in her left hand; Long was right-handed.
A "suspicious death investigation" is underway and late last week, police in Davidson seized Long's Yahoo! Internet accounts.
Authorities obtained a court order to review the accounts. A search warrant says police are reviewing text messages, emails and financial transactions.
Long was married at the time of her death, but she was having an affair with a man named William Becker, who was also married, search warrants obtained by 48 Hours' Crimesider allege. According to warrants, Becker was seen by neighbors entering Long's home with her on the night of July 19, the last time she was seen alive.
The warrants say Becker told authorities he was a friend of Long and that she had become depressed prior to her death because she had recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Police were able to confirm with Long's doctor that she did not have cervical cancer, according to the warrants.
The warrants also indicate Long's will left Becker all of her assets - nearly $1 million.
Cristina Shaul, spokesperson for the town of Davidson, including the Davidson Police Department, told Crimesider Thursday that authorities are awaiting the results of forensics in the case. She said authorities have identified a person or persons of interest but they cannot divulge any further details at this time.
