North Carolina’s Ashville.The Asheville community was shocked by the horrific act of violence that ended what started out as a marriage full of music, travel, and a successful medical business. Oxygen claims that the lady people known as his amazing wife committed the murder of Dr. Frank Buddy McCutcheon Jr., a beloved plastic surgeon, who was shot to death in July 2016 as he was resting on the couch in his house.
A Respected Surgeon With a Passion for Music
Dr. McCutcheon, 64, had a prosperous cosmetic surgery clinic with his wife, registered nurse Brenda McCutcheon, whom he had been married to for over 30 years. Buddy’s greatest interest, according to his friends, was music. He enjoyed flying his private plane, playing a variety of instruments, and taking part in Civil War reenactments. The lives of the couple seemed to be one of envy.
The Night of the Murder
As was his custom, Buddy remained on the couch on July 15, 2016, while Brenda went upstairs to sleep after they had eaten dinner and watched TV. Brenda reported that at around three in the morning, she heard a loud bang, hurried downstairs, and discovered her husband bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head. She informed police that after running to a neighbor’s house for assistance, she dialed 911 when no one picked up.
No evidence of forced entry was discovered by deputies. The couple’s firearm, which they kept in a kitchen drawer, was subsequently found abandoned in some surrounding foliage.
Suspicion Falls on Brenda
At first, Brenda complied with investigators, even allowing a test for gunshot residue. According to lab data, she may have leaned over her spouse because she had no residue on her hands and just trace quantities on her clothes. However, a few days after the murder, detectives discovered her discarding practice documents into a garbage, which raised suspicions.
Financial Crimes Emerge
At the McCutcheon practice, investigators discovered significant financial difficulties. The IRS discovered $385,00 in unpaid federal taxes after the North Carolina Department of Revenue opened a criminal inquiry into outstanding state taxes. Payroll tax withholdings had not been sent to the state, and the practice was years late on corporate filings.
Brenda, the office manager, was probably aware of the revelations, but Buddy allegedly seemed taken aback by them. Investigators thought the imminent financial reckoning might have served as a motivating factor.
Trial and Conviction
Prosecutors made their case in January 2020, based mostly on circumstantial evidence, claiming Brenda despised her position in the office and worried she would be held solely accountable for the crimes. She was given a life sentence without the possibility of release after the jury found her guilty of first-degree murder.
According to Assistant District Attorney Meghan Lock, Brenda thought that killing Buddy would terminate the Department of Revenue’s case, but in reality, it only served to further her own demise.
Do you believe that people may act out of character due to financial pressure? Leave a comment at SaladaStandard-Sentinel.com with your opinions.
