Teen arrested in fatal shooting of 20-year-old in Lenoir, authorities say

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – A teenager was arrested Monday in connection with the fatal shooing of a 20-year-old in Lenoir last week, sheriffs said.

Investigators said a 16-year-old was arrested Monday, Oct. 12, in connection the deadly shooting. No charges had been announced, and the teenager’s identity was withheld because of his age.

The victim was identified as Michael Cowling Jr., 20, of Morganton.

The shooting happened Friday, Oct. 10, on Grandin Road in Lenoir around 12:45 a.m. Deputies arrived to find a male victim, later identified as Cowling, with a gunshot wound to the head.

Paramedics airlifted Cowling to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office was investigating and asked the public for information.

“Were you at the party? Do you have information that could help investigators?” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post Oct. 10.

It was not immediately clear whether Cowling was shot at the party or nearby.

“Sheriff Kevin Bean and the staff of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office extend their thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Michael Cowling during this tragic time.

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