A Lenoir man was charged with murder following what authorities describe as a fatal early morning shooting in Caldwell County. According to the WCNC Charlotte, the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office arrested 46-year-old Joshua Barrett Lovins in connection with the death of Michael Eugene Watson Jr., also 46, after deputies were summoned to the 1200 block of Honeycomb Place around 2:09 a.m. Monday, following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, Watson was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The investigation, still in progress, led to Lovins being located in his vehicle, in the driveway of another home, not far from the crime scene. WCNC Charlotte reports that he has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bond at the Caldwell County Detention Center. Meanwhile, WCCB Charlotte notes a 911 caller identified Lovins as the shooter, and deputies found him sitting in his car upon arrival at another house's driveway.
A twist in the events leading up to the fatal shooting was revealed by WSOCTV, which reported that Lovins met Watson and his friend after their vehicle ran out of gas in Lenoir. All three men allegedly proceeded to Watson's camper, where the dispute escalated to violence. According to the same source, after Watson was shot and killed outside the camper, his friend wrestled the gun away from Lovins.
At the time of his arrest, "Channel 9's Dave Faherty was there when Lovins was charged and could clearly see injuries to the suspect," as per a statement obtained by WSOCTV. When Faherty questioned him about the case, Lovins denied any involvement. Moreover, deputies claim to have recovered surveillance video showing Lovins leaving the camper, though he was apprehended only a quarter mile away from the scene.
