Residents, leaders in Columbus County say two deaths of a minor are a cause for concern

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Columbus County man is facing a murder charge after allegedly shooting and killing a teenager in the Evergreen community. 

Jeffery Dale Fowler has been charged with murdering 17-year-old Kaley Michelle Fowler during a domestic altercation. It happened around 9 p.m. on Wagon Wheel Drive. 

Fowler was transported to Columbus Regional to be treated for his wounds and arrested on Saturday. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says further information will not be released to uphold the integrity of the investigation. 

This is the second death of a minor involving a firearm in Columbus County within a week. 

Columbus County resident Ramona Sweerus said no matter where you live in the county, this should be a cause for concern. 

“It’s very sad and I think that there are many problems in Columbus County that need to be dealt with,” Sweerus said. 

Chadbourn Mayor Phillip Britt said community involvement is the key to bringing about change.

“Certainly you don’t want to hear of anyone losing their life. But when it comes down to the fact that we’ve got children losing their lives now. A what point does it stop,” Britt said. 

He’s urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. 

“Arrests need to be made and something needs to be done about this. We can’t allow this to just keep happening. It’s got to be addressed,” Britt said.

Fowler is being held in the Columbus County Detention Center with no bond. This is an on-going investigation. WWAY will continue to keep you updated as more details become available.