GREENSBORO, NC — November 22, 2025: A domestic disturbance on Creekwood Drive escalated into a deadly incident Friday night, leading to a standoff, a shelter-in-place alert, and the tragic deaths of 62-year-old Paul Arthur Merchant and 38-year-old Alessandra Amador Merchant. Greensboro Police have now confirmed the event as a murder-suicide following hours of negotiation and tactical intervention.
What Happened on Creekwood Drive
According to Greensboro Police, officers responded around Friday evening to a reported family disorder at a home on Creekwood Drive. When officers approached the residence, an armed man inside the home opened fire, prompting law enforcement to immediately request backup and urge nearby residents to shelter in place.
Multiple specialized units were deployed, including the Special Response Team (SRT), the Hostage Negotiation Team, the Drone Team, Violent Crime Response Team, and the Criminal Investigation Division.
Negotiators worked for hours to safely resolve the crisis. A juvenile inside the home was successfully released unharmed after “lengthy negotiations,” according to police.
When officers later entered the residence, they discovered Paul Arthur Merchant and Alessandra Amador Merchant suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The early investigation indicates that Merchant fatally shot Alessandra before taking his own life.
Police confirmed that no officers were injured and none discharged their weapons during the response.
Who Were Paul Arthur Merchant and Alessandra Amador Merchant?
Details about the personal backgrounds of Paul Merchant and Alessandra Merchant have not yet been publicly released. However, authorities identified Alessandra as the victim in what is now Greensboro’s 34th homicide of 2025.
Family members have been notified, and detectives are working to piece together the couple’s relationship history, prior incidents (if any), and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
This case adds to the growing concerns about domestic violence-related deaths nationwide, as well as the emotional toll such incidents leave on families and surviving children.
Investigation Details and Scene Response
Authorities described a large and coordinated response, with teams from multiple departments converging on the Creekwood Drive residence. In addition to Greensboro Police:
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Guilford County Emergency Management (GCEM)
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Guilford County EMS
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Greensboro Fire Department
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Alamance County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team
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Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team
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GCSO Drone Team
all assisted at the scene.
The standoff concluded shortly before 2:28 a.m., at which time the shelter-in-place order was lifted. Due to a system malfunction, the “all clear” message was accidentally sent countywide instead of to the small group initially affected. GCEM officials are working to determine the cause of the alert error.
Police emphasize that all parties have been identified, and no suspects are outstanding. The working classification remains murder-suicide, pending the completion of ballistic examinations and autopsy findings.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Residents across Greensboro expressed fear, confusion, and sympathy after the shelter-in-place alert spread across the county. Many took to social media to share their experiences, recounting moments of uncertainty as police activity intensified around Creekwood Drive.
Others shared condolences for the victim and offered prayers for the juvenile who escaped the home unharmed.
Local neighborhood groups described the incident as “deeply unsettling,” especially given the large police presence and prolonged tactical operation.
Community discussions online also addressed the accidental countywide alert, with many asking for better communication protocols and emergency alert system review.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Greensboro Police say the investigation remains ongoing. Autopsies for Paul Arthur Merchant and Alessandra Amador Merchant have been ordered, and detectives will continue gathering evidence, including shell casings, firearm analysis, and scene documentation.
Authorities are also conducting follow-up interviews with officers, the juvenile involved, and extended family members to finalize the timeline.
Police stress that:
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There is no ongoing threat to the public.
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No officers discharged weapons.
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All responding personnel acted with extreme caution to safeguard the juvenile and surrounding community.
Additional statements from family members or funeral arrangements for Alessandra Merchant have not yet been released.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Greensboro Police Identify Paul Arthur Merchant, Alessandra Amador Merchant in Murder-Suicide Following Creekwood Drive Family Disorder first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
