Months-long investigation leads to manslaughter charge in Kure Beach case

KURE BEACH, NC — A Wilmington man is facing multiple felony charges in connection to the death of a Kure Beach man last year.

The Kure Beach Police Department says officers were called to a home on the 100 block of North Third Avenue on Dec. 18, 2024, where they found 60-year-old David Michael Koffel dead.

Following an investigation that spanned several months, police charged 57-year-old Kevin Edward De Pew with involuntary manslaughter, delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance.

De Pew is being held at the New Hanover County Jail on a $100,000 secured bond.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Koffel’s death.