RALEIGH, N.C. — July 2018 – Ashley Lauren Cimino Talarico, a Raleigh mother, massage therapist, and small business owner, is being remembered for her compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her two young sons following her tragic death on July 4, 2018, in northwest Raleigh. She was 30 years old. (ABC11 Raleigh-Durham)

According to Raleigh police, Ashley Talarico died in a murder-suicide at the family’s home in the 9400 block of Misty Creek Lane in the Brier Creek community. Investigators said her husband, Nicholas Robert Talarico, fatally shot her before taking his own life. Officers responded to the residence at approximately 4:25 p.m. EDT after receiving a 911 call. (ABC11 Raleigh-Durham)

Ashley was the owner and operator of Women’s Wellness Massage, where she specialized in fertility, prenatal, and women’s therapeutic massage. Friends and colleagues described her as deeply committed to helping others and passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and other stages of life. Former instructors and clients remembered her as a caring professional who approached her work with empathy and dedication. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Beyond her career, Ashley was known as a devoted mother whose two sons were the center of her life. Family members and friends recalled her warm personality, generous spirit, and willingness to help those in need. Tributes shared after her death described her as someone whose kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone she met. (Gun Memorial)

Her funeral services were held in Raleigh, where relatives, friends, clients, and community members gathered to celebrate her life and honor her memory. The tragedy prompted widespread grief throughout the Brier Creek community and renewed conversations about domestic violence awareness and support for families experiencing abuse. (ABC11 Raleigh-Durham)

The Raleigh Police Department investigated the deaths as a murder-suicide. Subsequent court documents and investigative records indicated that the couple’s two young children were safely out of the home when the shooting occurred. Authorities recovered evidence from the residence as part of the investigation before officially closing the case. (WRAL News)

Ashley Talarico is remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and clients as a compassionate mother, skilled therapist, and caring friend whose life ended far too soon. Her legacy continues through the many lives she touched personally and professionally, and she is remembered for the kindness and support she extended to others throughout her life. (Gun Memorial)