Tragedy struck in Hickory when Mason Cole Pridemore, 22, was found dead from a gunshot wound. The young man's body was discovered late Thursday night outside of a church on the 1400 block of 29th Avenue Drive NE, positioned inside a vehicle near the children's center of a neighboring church, as reported by QC News. Responding to a call about an unresponsive person around 10 p.m., Hickory Police were quick to arrive at the scene.
In a turn of events, two 17-year-olds have been arrested and are now charged with first-degree murder in connection to Pridemore's death. It has been confirmed by WCNC that they are being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice without bond. While the identities of the juveniles have not been released, this has marked a swift yet somber progression in the case which had initially left the community seeking answers. The Hickory Police Department is actively working to painstakingly piece together the events leading up to Pridemore's untimely death.
The circumstances surrounding this tragic event remain hazy. Investigators have yet to disclose additional details about what transpired in the parking lot that fated evening. Meanwhile, the call has been put out to the public for any information that could shine light on the investigation. Hickory Police urge anyone with insights to get in touch with Investigator Peacock at the provided contact number or email address, highlighted in a statement obtained by QC News.
As the investigation proceeds onward, one thing is clear: The echoes of this tragedy will reverberate long after the final verdict is passed, as outlined by WBTV.
