Many believed that Mark Hacking adored his wife, was excited about parenthood and was destined for a great future after medical school at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

"My only guess is that it has to be a mental illness," Mark's best friend, Ross Williams, said. "He's not the Mark Hacking that I have known and loved my entire life. That's the only conclusion that I can entertain. … Possibly a mental illness took his mind."

Williams and Thomas both agreed, however, that the announcement by police of Mark's arrest was also a bit consolatory, and none said they felt any surprise.

"I kind of prepared myself for this, but I was fighting with everything I had not to believe it," Williams said. "At the same time, I'm a rational person and I realize the evidence."

Added Thomas, "Once they said that Mark had been arrested, it was almost a feeling of relief that there had been some kind of answer. At the same time it hasn't felt real. Now that it is, my heart is just broken … but how could I not expect it? I'm not stupid."

Lori's co-workers from Wells Fargo Bank declined interviews on Monday. Instead, the company issued a written statement expressing its sadness and dismay.

"The news reported today by law enforcement about Lori is extremely upsetting and disturbing to all of us. Our hearts ache for Lori, her family and friends," read the statement issued by company spokesman Mark Chapman. "This is a very emotional time for Lori's teammates. We have made and continue to make counseling and other services available to our team members as needed. Our first concern is their safety and well-being, and for privacy and security reasons, team members prefer not to comment beyond this statement."

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E-mail: jdobner@desnews.com