Deputies say a weekend fight at a home on Larin Way in Rowan County ended with one man stabbed in the back, another man in jail, and a second person facing a drug-related charge. The 37-year-old victim was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, and authorities said he is expected to recover. Two people were arrested at the scene and remained in custody as detectives continued the investigation.
Arrests and charges
Investigators identified 37-year-old Daniel Ray Kesler as the stabbing suspect and arrested him on Sunday. Kesler faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and was being held on a $40,000 secured bond, according to WCNC. The victim, who deputies say was stabbed in the back during the fight, suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover after being taken to a hospital.
A second person at the home, 28-year-old Leah Annette Burns, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and held on a $1,500 secured bond, according to the same report. Both arrests stem from what started as a dispute and quickly escalated into a criminal case that will now play out in court.
Detention and local records
County records note that the detention center handles bookings and inmate custody for Rowan County, according to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. The office posts facility contact information and related details while detectives continue working the Larin Way case.
Evidence at the scene
Deputies recovered a knife from Kesler’s vehicle that they believe was used in the attack and obtained a search warrant for the Larin Way property, where they collected blood evidence and suspected narcotics, per WCNC. Investigators said the probe is ongoing and have not publicly offered a motive for the fight, leaving the why of the confrontation unanswered for now.
Legal implications
Kesler’s charging paper lists assault with a deadly weapon that inflicts serious injury, which is a felony offense under state law. Under N.C. General Statutes §14-32, an assault with a deadly weapon that causes serious injury is punishable as a felony, and prosecutors will decide what exact charges to pursue as evidence is presented.
What’s next
Detectives say they will continue to collect evidence and turn over their findings to the district attorney’s office for charging decisions. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers, which posts tips and contact details on the county website.
