A chilling Facebook confession revealed the tragic events that unfolded in a Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina home on Saturday, January 18. George Lesniak, 63, fatally shot his wife, Cathleen Lesniak, 59, before taking his own life.
Moments before the tragedy was reported to authorities, George posted an alarming message in the Facebook group “ADAS Support,” where he served as the sole administrator. “My wife admitted to cheating on me so I killed her. I’m about to kill myself. Figure this group out for yourselves,” he wrote. The post, which was later deleted, was reported by ABC11.
Police responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m., finding both George and Cathleen deceased from gunshot wounds. “Additionally, officers located George Lesniak, a 63-year-old male, who appeared to have sustained a self-inflicted fatal injury,” the Fuquay-Varina Police Department stated in a news release.
“This incident is deeply tragic, and we urge the community to keep the family in their thoughts during this challenging time,” police added. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 919-552-3191 or email fvpolicetips@fuquay-varina.org.
Cathleen Lesniak worked as a Technical Production Manager at Advance Auto Parts, as noted on her now-private Facebook page. Her husband, an Illinois native, was a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute and previously served as Vice President of Training at Autel Automotive Intelligence. According to his LinkedIn profile, George had worked remotely for the Long Island-based company for five and a half years before leaving in September 2024, according to the News & Observer.
The ADAS Support group George administered focused on Advanced Driver Assistance System calibration, a process that ensures vehicle sensors and cameras operate correctly. Autel Automotive Intelligence expressed sorrow over the tragedy in a brief Facebook post.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at the Lesniak residence on January 18. We at Autel express our heartfelt condolences to the Lesniak family and friends,” the company wrote.
This devastating murder-suicide highlights the far-reaching consequences of domestic violence, leaving a community grappling with shock and loss. The tragic sequence of events serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and relationship crises before they escalate.