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‘Armed and Dangerous’ Couple May Be Hiding In Smoky Mountains After Slaying Of Co-Worker

“There’s a good chance they’re somewhere in the mountain area — maybe even closer to the border between Tennessee or North Carolina side,” the U.S. Marshals Service said.

By Dorian Geiger
‘Armed’ Couple On The Run Possibly In Smoky Mountains

A North Carolina couple wanted in the murder of a furniture plant worker could be hunkered down in the mountains, authorities said.

Tangela Parker, 49, and Eric Parker, 61, who have been on the run since January, are likely somewhere near the North Carolina-Tennessee border, authorities said. They’re considered “armed and dangerous.”

“I think there’s a good chance they’re somewhere in the mountain area — maybe even closer to the border between Tennessee or North Carolina side — but I think there is definitely a possibility that they are still in this area,” East Coast, U.S. Marshal Deputy Commander Brian Alfano, told the Hickory Daily Record last week.

After an argument, Tangela Parker allegedly shot and killed Phelifa Michelle Marlow, her co-worker at upholsterer TCS Designs, according to NBC affiliate WBIR-TV. Her spouse is accused of acting as an accessory in the slaying.

The pair was last seen driving a beige 2019 Honda CRV with license tags FAM5669, Knoxville television station WATE-TV reported. A mobile phone belonging to the couple was retrieved by authorities in Collettsville, North Carolina. 

Tangela Parker, is described as white, 5’2” tall, and weighing roughly 240 pounds, according to the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Charlotte Observer reported. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Her husband is also white, 5’9” tall, and weighs about 240 points. He has blue eyes and blond hair. 

U.S. Marshals are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the fugitive couple.

Hickory Police are still looking to locate Tangela and Eric Parker reference the murder of Phelifia Michele Marlow that...

Posted by Hickory Police Department - Official on Thursday, January 21, 2021

Helicopters were reportedly seen scouring the region on Monday. 

"To hear that they're searching for someone that, you know, shot somebody, that's definitely pretty wild," homeowner Ian Nabors told WCNC-TV. "I just hope they find her and get some justice for that woman."

Marlow was a furniture upholsterer, according to her online obituary. News of the 51-year-old wife and grandmother's killing startled neighbors.

"They would wave,” Dana Crouse told WCNC-TV. “I would wave. It's kind of scary knowing somebody who could've done something maybe like that could be as close as they are."

Marlow’s funeral was held on Jan. 19. 

Anyone with information related to Tangela and Eric Parker’s whereabouts is urged to call 1-877-WANTED2 or can submit an anonymous tip with the U.S. Marshals Service.

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