Man accused of shooting neighbor following argument in Rowan County, deputies say

CHINA GROVE, N.C. — A suspect has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a 61-year-old man in China Grove, deputies said.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a 911 call about a shooting at a home in the 200 block of Sylvester Road on Thursday.

According to reports, George Dewey Turnmire had gotten into an argument with his neighbor, Michael Dean Brown.

Sometime after that argument, Brown forced his way into Turnmire’s home. Brown, 61, then allegedly shot Turnmire twice in the back with a 20-gauge shotgun, according to deputies.

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Responding deputies said the 911 caller and four juveniles, who were home during the shooting, locked themselves in a room until authorities arrived. Thankfully, the sheriff’s office said they were all unharmed.

Deputies said Turnmire was pronounced dead at the scene. They said they found Brown on the porch, waiting for officers to arrive.

During an interview, Brown told deputies that he didn’t want to give Turnmire the option to get a weapon, so he shot him in the lower side back area.

Turnmire went to the floor, but Brown thought he was attempting to get up. Brown said he then reloaded with a birdshot shell and shot Turnmire again, according to deputies.

Brown was arrested and charged with murder.

He was being held without bond, deputies said. His first court appearance was scheduled for Friday.

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