Take threats seriously

By Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Take threats seriously.

That’s the lesson authorities say Rowan County can learn from the murder Friday of a 49-year-old woman who was beaten to death, allegedly by an estranged ex-boyfriend with a history of domestic violence who had been threatening her for weeks.

“Domestic violence is very dangerous and can escalate very rapidly,” said Detective A.D. Loflin of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, who investigated the killing.

Joan Marie Lark had removed former boyfriend Gary Cureton, 54, from her house in January when she suspected he was stealing and using drugs. When Cureton began calling her repeatedly, day after day, and leaving threatening messages, Lark did not seek a domestic violence protective order.

Protective orders are issued by the court to protect victims of abuse, harassment or stalking from further violence at the hands of an aggressor. Also called a 50-B, the order allows a judge or magistrate to tell an abuser to stop or face legal consequences.

Some people don’t bother taking out an order “because it’s just a piece of paper,” Detective Carl Dangerfield said. “But at least it’s something.”

With a 50-B in place, authorities could have arrested Cureton for calling Lark or driving by her East Spencer house.

Lark was concerned about Cureton but didn’t think he would really do anything, authorities said.

Recovering from a serious illness, Cureton “doesn’t look like a physical powerhouse,” Dangerfield said. “But even his family says he was smoking crack, and in that state, people can do things they don’t seem capable of.”

Even if threats seem like a harmless nuisance, a life may be at stake, said Lucretia Trent, executive director for the Family Crisis Council.

“Be mindful that if threats are made, you need to pay attention and not minimize these things,” Trent said.

Lark may have thought Cureton’s threats were empty because he made so many of them, authorities said.

“But you don’t know when the threat will be for real,” Trent said. “Lots of times these things can escalate.”

Trent urged anyone being threatened to call the authorities. The Family Crisis Council also offers programs and support for victims trapped in the cycle of domestic violence, including people who are not ready to take out a protective order, she said.

People don’t take action for a number of reasons, she said. Victims may be financially dependent on their abuser or fear for the safety of their children or pets.

The Family Crisis Council operates a shelter for battered women and children, as well as an advocacy program that provides assistance during court hearings. A volunteer will accompany a victim to court to make the process less overwhelming, Trent said.

The council helps victims understand their situation and explains actions they can take, including creating a safety plan. If the abuser leaves the house, victims should change the locks, she said.

Cureton had an old key to Lark’s house, a family member said.

The Family Crisis Council provides speakers for community groups to raise awareness of domestic violence and services available to help. All services are free.

Call the hotline at 704-636-4718.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.