After several hours of searching various locations, troopers with the North Carolina Highway Patrol located Owens in Burke County as a passenger in a vehicle driven by Megan Smith of Marion. Owens was taken into custody without incident and transported back to McDowell County.

“Driving under the influence is a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning ahead to ensure the safety of everyone. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver to transport you to and from your festivities.”

An argument ensued between the two due to an ongoing dispute. Owens at some point during the argument produced a small caliber handgun and began firing at Wilson who by this time was in his vehicle attempting to leave the scene.  

Following an extensive investigation, on Oct. 24, deputies arrested Craig Vegh, age 40, of Casar, NC. Vegh has been charged with two counts of Burning of Church/Religious Establishment, Possession of Methamphetamine and Destroying/Altering Evidence. He is currently being held at the Cleveland County Detention Center under $500,000.00 bond.

Long, a U.S. Army veteran, was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and later transferred to hospice care, where he died on October 18.