A tragic event occurred in Catawba County on Tuesday, around 7:45 p.m., Maiden Police responded to a shooting on PJ McRee Road, where they found three people dead. The victims were identified as 61-year-old Charles Kevin Cox, his wife Cyndi Marie Cox, also 61, and their daughter Jenna Lynn Cox, 28, according to WCNC Charlotte.
Initial investigations quickly identified 27-year-old Issac Nathaniel Christenbury as the suspect. He had previously dated Jenna Cox, and it is believed that the shooting may have been precipitated by an altercation between the two. Christenbury was arrested after having driven away from the scene of the crime and later confessed to the police. WSPA reported that he is now facing three counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
A ten-year-old child, Jenna's son, was found unharmed but deeply traumatized. The boy managed to run to a neighbor's house after the shooting. Neighbor Peggy Beeson, who works in the medical field, recounted to WCNC Charlotte the harrowing moment the child arrived at her doorstep, informing her of what had transpired. Despite her medical training, she was unable to assist the elderly victims who showed no signs of life upon her examination.
Christenbury's first court appearance revealed the severity of the charges against him, with a judge informing him that he could face the maximum penalty of death. In his brief court showing, Christenbury displayed no outward emotion and communicated nonverbally his understanding of the proceedings. WBTV reported that a probable cause hearing for Christenbury has been scheduled for November 12.
The investigation by local authorities is being supported by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The details of the shooting are still being investigated.
