1 dead, 2 injured in house party shooting, suspect charged with murder

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — An Alexander County mother is grieving the loss of her son.

Deputies told Eyewitness News Andre Conner, 21, was murdered at a late night house party, just off of Steve Watts Drive in the Taylorsville community.

"He had just started getting his life in order," said Connor's mother, Stephanie.

She told Eyewitness News that her youngest son was a father to an 8-year-old girl and a big help to his family.

"He stayed at home with me to help when he got off from work, because my husband is paralyzed," she added.

According to family members, the 21-year-old was at the house party Friday night, which was hosted by his brother, Shawn Flowers.

Flowers said he invited mostly family members, but Mark McWhorter also came to the party.

Around 2 a.m. investigators said an argument started.

Family members didn't know what the argument was about, but said McWhorter and several party-goers were making threats and suddenly, McWhorter started shooting.

"The next thing you know it was pop, pop, pop. Now I have no son," said Connor.

Family members said Andre was shot in the chest and died at the scene.

His cousin and a friend were also shot and rushed to the hospital.

Deputies arrested McWhorter and charged him with 2nd degree murder, and they said more charges were pending.

Shawn didn't know why, but said there was a history of tension between McWhorter and some of those shot at the party.

Police didn't release a motive in the crime Saturday.

WSOC