Jury convicts man in Cabarrus County daycare double-murder

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — A jury has convicted the man who killed a daycare owner and her nephew in Cabarrus County, bringing closure to a case that started years ago.

Channel 9’s Dave Faherty was in court Tuesday morning when the verdict was revealed, and Marlon Anderson was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Anderson had confessed to going to the B&T Learning Center near Kannapolis, shooting the lock on the front door, and forcing his way inside. The family-run daycare hadn’t opened yet that morning, and it’s where Sharon Chambers lived.

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Sharon Chambers and her nephew, Benny Sloan, were found shot to death in June of 2022.

“She was an amazing person,” said Willie Pore, a family member. “She was caring. She cared about people and supporting people.”

“The wounds are still there. And bringing it to court is like reliving it all over again,“ said Erica Sloan, another family member.

Authorities say Anderson had been in a relationship with Chambers’ daughter, who also helped run the daycare. Prosecutors described the murder as domestic related.

Anderson stared straight forward and didn’t say a word when the verdict was read. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Takeria Sheelor and her daughter told Faherty they’re thankful for the jury’s decision. Sheelor had at one time dated Anderson, and she worked with the victim.

“She meant the world to me. That really hurt, and it came from somebody I trusted,” Sheelor said.

Chambers’ granddaughter spoke about the loss her family has suffered.

“My grandma was like my best friend,” she said. “Whenever I had problems, she was always there.”

Anderson’s attorney says he blacked out and didn’t remember the murders, but a camera at the door captured him going in and out of the home with an assault rifle.

Anderson was also convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon. That felony was from another homicide back in 1992 -- he was convicted of manslaughter.

Benny Sloan Sr. fought back tears as the jury returned with their verdict.

“He would always let me know, ‘Dad, I love you,’ and I miss hearing those words from him,” Sloan said. “He was my heart.”

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