Fmr. attorney of courthouse shooting suspect said she had 'significant mental health issues'

May 24, 2026 - 16:03

The former attorney for Gwendolyn White, the 57-year-old woman accused of shooting two lawyers outside the Wake County Courthouse last Friday, has stated that the suspect battled severe mental health problems for years. The attorney, who represented White in a previous legal matter, said the issues were "significant" and well-documented, though she did not provide specific diagnoses.

White is charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly opening fire on two attorneys in the courthouse parking lot. Both victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Authorities have not yet released a clear motive for the shooting, but the former attorney's comments suggest a long-standing pattern of instability.

Court records show White had prior legal entanglements, though details remain sealed. The former attorney emphasized that White's mental health struggles were a recurring theme during their professional relationship, adding that she had tried to connect White with resources but was limited by confidentiality rules. The case has reignited local debate about how the legal system handles defendants with documented mental illness. White remains in custody without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.