Many gathered Sunday to mourn the death of Alton Corey Vann

Investigators continue to search for clues about who killed a 20-year-old man early Thursday morning in New Hanover County while friends and family cope with the loss.

Many gathered Sunday night to mourn the death of Alton Corey Vann, who most knew as just Corey. In their sorrow, they are still looking for answers as to who shot and killed him early Thursday morning.

A makeshift memorial stands along River Road where Vann’s body was found. Since, dozens have stopped by to write personal messages to say good-bye to the life that was lost.

Family friend, Jesse Anaya said he is in shock to know Corey is gone. “He was a lovable kid, he was always doing favors for everybody. He was there for you when you needed him and I don’t understand why they would do this to him,” he said.

Family members said Vann called his father when he left work at a Brunswick County nursing home around 11:00 Wednesday night, and said he was tired and going home. That was the last they heard from him. Preliminary autopsy results show he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Many have stopped by the memorial to pay their respects, while sending a message to his killer. “Whoever did this, if they are man enough, they should come forward and say, ‘I know what I did was wrong,’ but they are not going to do that. They were cowards to shot him in the head, or whatever, that’s not right,” Anaya said.

It is clear from the messages scrawled across his memorial, and the outpouring of the community at his wake, he is truly missed.

Investigators believe they have strong leads. They said Vann’s death does not appear to be a random act of violence.