A tragic and chilling incident occurred in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, where a married couple was found dead in their home in what is believed to be a murder-suicide. George Lesniak, 63, and his wife, Cathleen Lesniak, 59, were discovered on January 18, 2025, following a call to the police about shots fired at their residence. When officers arrived at the scene, they found both individuals dead from gunshot wounds, with George’s injuries being self-inflicted.
What made this case even more unsettling was the chilling message George Lesniak posted on Facebook just minutes before the authorities arrived. At 6:00 p.m., three minutes before the police received reports of a shooting, George shared a disturbing post in a Facebook group for technicians working with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a field in which he had professional ties. The post read, “My wife admitted to cheating on me so I killed her, I’m about to kill myself.” He further added a cryptic statement: “Figure this group out for [yourselves].” The post was deleted shortly after, but the shocking nature of his confession left a lasting impact.
The Facebook group where the message was posted was dedicated to professionals in the automotive industry, specifically those involved in calibrating advanced driver assistance systems. George Lesniak had been an administrator of this group, and his post was seen by members of the community. Although Cathleen Lesniak’s personal Facebook page was set to private, her husband’s page contained a photo from December showing the couple sharing a passionate kiss on a dance floor, seemingly portraying a much different image of their relationship than what ultimately transpired.
The couple’s professional lives were also rooted in the automotive industry. George had worked as the vice president of training at Autel Automotive Intelligence until September 2024, and Cathleen had been employed as a technical production manager at Advanced Auto Parts. Their long marriage, which had lasted 34 years, appeared to be a significant part of their lives, but the tragic events that unfolded suggest that things were not as they seemed.
The police have not officially ruled on the deaths, though they are treating it as a murder-suicide. They have emphasized the complexity of the case and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, they have committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This case has left the community shaken, as the brutal act of violence followed by George’s final, chilling message raises many questions about the state of his mental health and the events that led to such a devastating outcome.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the potential consequences of unresolved emotional distress. Those who are struggling with feelings of anger, betrayal, or hopelessness may feel isolated, but it is crucial to reach out for help. In the wake of such tragedies, support services like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 are available to offer immediate assistance to those in need. The loss of George and Cathleen Lesniak is a deeply tragic event, and the investigation will continue to seek answers for their families, friends, and the community at large.
