Willie Lee Wheeler, a 67-year-old man from Tabor City, NC, tragically died on May 2, 2022, from a gunshot wound at his home on the corner of Lewis and King streets. The Tabor City Police Department, along with the State Bureau of Investigation , responded to the scene and launched an investigation into his death.
On May 19, 2022, Kason Durante Johnson, 43, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Wheeler's death.
Johnson was taken into custody at his home on Grice Road by Det. Richard Adams of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. According to the warrants obtained by the SBI, Johnson allegedly "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder Willie Lee Wheeler".
The investigation involved a heavy law enforcement presence, including more than a half-dozen SBI agents and crime scene investigators. The case was treated with urgency, and a search warrant was obtained to thoroughly investigate the crime scene. The Tabor City Police Department sought assistance from the SBI due to the resources and expertise the state agency brings to such cases.
The arrest of Johnson marked a significant development in the case, but the investigation continued as authorities worked to gather more evidence and build a strong case against the suspect. The community awaited further updates as the legal proceedings progressed.
: Tabor-Loris Tribune
: Tabor-Loris Tribune
