Written by Sunday, 26th, July 2026
MORGANTON, N.C. – The Morganton Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, resulting in one death and the arrest of four individuals.
According to the Morganton Department of Public Safety, officers heard multiple gunshots around 1:00 a.m. coming from the area of West Union Street and Hillside Lane. Officers immediately responded and discovered an adult victim lying face down in the roadway.
Officers initiated life-saving measures until Burke County EMS personnel arrived and assumed medical care. Despite those efforts, the victim died from their injuries.
Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity until next of kin have been notified.
West Union Street remained closed for several hours Sunday morning as investigators with the Morganton Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) processed the crime scene.
ARRESTS AND CHARGES
Following the investigation, four individuals were taken into custody:
- Kevon Mack, 18, of Morganton — Charged with Felony Murder. He is being held without bond.
- Braxton Garland Collins, 19, of Morganton — Charged with Felony Obstructing Justice and Misdemeanor Discharge of a Firearm Within City Limits. Bond was set at $ 25,000 secured.
- Justice Grant Raab, 20, of Morganton — Charged with Felony Obstructing Justice. Bond was set at $ 20,000 secured.
- Ayanna Nichole Parridgen, 19, of Hickory — Charged with Felony Obstructing Justice. Bond was set at $ 20,000 secured.
The investigation remains active.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information or video related to the shooting to contact Investigator Bess with the Morganton Department of Public Safety at (828) 437-1211.
The Morganton Department of Public Safety also expressed appreciation to the agencies that assisted with the investigation, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Valdese Police Department, and Burke County EMS.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as additional information is released by law enforcement officials.