LENOIR, N.C. — Mike Cowling is asking for answers after his son, 20-year-old Michael “Mikey” Cowling, was fatally shot early Saturday during an unchaperoned youth gathering in the 4800 block of Grandin Road in Lenoir.
Displaying photos of his son, Mike Cowling joined family members in remembering his son as someone known for his willingness to help others, while urging anyone who attended the party to contact law enforcement.
“How can nobody … 80 kids … How can nobody see a life be taken and not come forward and not say anything,” the father said.
The shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. at a “Pink Out” party in the Kings Creek neighborhood following Hibriten High School’s homecoming celebration Friday.
Deputies arriving at the scene found Mikey Cowling suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency responders transported him by air to a medical facility, where he died shortly after arrival.
Investigators don’t have a motive.
However, witnesses told investigators that a lone shot was fired following a dispute involving the victim. Caldwell County deputies reported that only a small number of people remained at the scene when officers arrived, despite dozens of youth attending the event earlier in the evening.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no parents or chaperones were supervising the gathering, which was advertised on the internet for local youth.
The Alcohol Law Enforcement agency joined the inquiry to assist deputies following reports of minors consuming alcohol at the property.
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