ASHEBORO NC (ACME NEWS) – A second and likely related shooting in Asheboro left one dead Monday night.
According to a press release by the Asheboro Police Department, on Monday, March 22nd at 9:21 PM, officers responded to the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr and Loach St in reference to a reported gunshot victim. Officials at the police department say the responding officers found a male subject who had been shot on the ground. Paramedics later declared the victim deceased at the scene.
Detectives are on scene and investigating at this time. In a statement, Chief Mark Lineberry said that so far they believe this is a retaliatory incident to the previous shooting that occurred at the C Store in Asheboro on Sunday night.
No further information is available at the time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Randolph County 911 at 336-318-6927 or the Asheboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 336-626-1300.
UPDATE 3/23/21: The victim has been identified as 17 year-old Nicholas Shane Johnson of Asheboro. According to a press release by the Asheboro Police Department a passerby discovered Johnson’s body and called 911. Police say while no criminal involvement by Johnson is suspected in the March 21st, 2021 incident, detectives believe he was present at the scene. Due to the proximity of the two shootings detectives are investigating any possible connections.
In the press release Asheboro Police Chief says this incident is the fourth homicide in the area this year. The Asheboro Police Departments says as a result of this increase in criminal activity, the department is reallocating personnel and resources in an effort to curb any further violence. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to share any information concerning these crimes with the Asheboro Police Department by contacting the Criminal Investigations Division at 336-626-1300.