Two Columbus County men charged with murder in fatal shooting of teen

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two Columbus County men are facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the January drive-by shooting death of a 16-year-old girl.

Authorities say 16-year-old Autumn Spivey was killed on Jan. 22 when gunfire struck her family’s mobile home on Old Stake Road. Bullet holes remain visible at the home, where investigators say the teenager was fatally shot.

Following months of investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tony Larrell Mason, 20, and Armani Darrell Mason, 27. Both men made their first appearances in Columbus County District Court Friday, August 8, 2026.

Each is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Columbus County Detention Center.

If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty under North Carolina law.

The two men are scheduled to return to court on Aug. 28 for a probable cause hearing.

WWAY will speak with Autumn Spivey’s mother following the arrests. An update will be available with her comments.