Lake Lure man charged with murder of his father

A Lake Lure man was charged Tuesday with murder and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to Rutherford County court records and a statement from police.

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office arrested Preston Spencer Alexander, 47, on Nov. 10. A magistrate’s order alleges he killed his father, Luther Alexander, “of malice aforethought."

Public emergency communications audio obtained by WCAB News said it occurred at 249 Rock Branch Road in Lake Lure.

Alexander’s release was not authorized under the initial order, which directs detention officials to hold him until a district court judge addresses bond.

“MUST SEE DISTRICT COURT JUDGE FOR BONDING....HOLD UNTIL JUDGE ON BENCH,” the order states.

He is scheduled to appear at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Rutherford County Courthouse.

What the court records show

The magistrate’s order identifies Detective Brandon Ellenburg of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office as the arresting officer. It states Alexander was arrested without a warrant and that the issuing official found probable cause for detention based on information furnished under oath by the officer.

The firearm charge cites a prior felony drug conviction. According to the charging document, Alexander pleaded guilty on Dec. 13, 2011, in Rutherford County District Court to felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and received 24 months of probation, according to the court records.

The new firearm count does not identify the weapon’s type or model. The space intended to describe it contains an unfilled template field.

Public records of emergency radio communications, via a public app, described the incident response with a person taken into custody and a victim found deceased in a bedroom.

The case number is 26CR450745-800. Other court records show various charges and convictions over the years, with 38 separate court files in several counties.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement:

“Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Shooting in Lake Lure On November 10, 2026, at approximately 9:59AM., the Rutherford County 911 Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a shooting at a residence on Rock Branch Road in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Callers reported that Preston Alexander had shot his father. Deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Lake Lure Police Department responded to the residence. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers issued commands to the suspect, identified as Preston Alexander. Alexander subsequently exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. Once Alexander was in custody, law enforcement personnel entered the residence to check for victims and determine whether anyone else was inside. Upon entering, officers located one victim deceased inside the residence from what appeared to be a gunshot wound.Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation and Forensics Division responded to the scene. Investigators conducted interviews and processed the crime scene as part of the investigation. Preston Alexander was transported to the Rutherford County Detention Center, where he was charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Alexander is currently being held without bond.Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time. We would also like to express our appreciation to our partners at the Rutherford County 911 Communications Center, Rutherford County EMS, Bills Creek Fire Department, and the Lake Lure Police Department for their assistance and response.”