Local

Pair charged in slaying of Kings Mountain man

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators are looking for answers after a man was found dead Monday evening in his Kings Mountain home.

Thomas Talucci, 73, was found dead in his home on High Ridge Court after investigators found some of his items in a car used to drive a man who had been shot to a hospital.

Our news partners at the Gazon Gazette reported Robert Moore Dover, 49, and Kristen Price, 37, drove Jerry Childers, 34, to the emergency room in Kings Mountain with a gunshot wound. He's expected to be OK.

When Dover and Price were asked what happened, deputies said the pair gave conflicting stories, so investigators searched their vehicle.

Inside, they said they found several items belonging to Talucci and five weapons, prompting deputies to stop by Talucci's house for a welfare check.

(Dover, Price)

When they got there, deputies said the front door was open, the house had been ransacked and there was heavy smoke in the air from a pot on the stove.

Investigators then found Talucci’s body.

Authorities have not said how he died but said they believe Price and Dover were in the home at some point.

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According to deputies, they also believe the pair are meth users.

Dover has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearm by felon.

Price is charged with first-degree murder, a probation violation and communicating threats.