Antonio Rashun Lee, a 26-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 11, 2017, in East Spencer, North Carolina. His body was discovered at the Weant Street Apartments, located at 200 Grant St., East Spencer. The investigation revealed that Lee had been shot in the head following a domestic altercation at the apartment complex. The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m., and Lee was found deceased outside between two apartments.
The primary suspect in the case was identified as Howard Manuel Mickel III, also known as "Mike Mike." Mickel, a 32-year-old male from Greensboro, North Carolina, had recently been residing in the East Spencer area. He was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mickel had outstanding arrest warrants in Guilford County for assault on a female and was considered armed and dangerous.
The East Spencer Police Department, along with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation, conducted a thorough investigation into Lee's murder. Mickel was eventually apprehended by Greensboro police on June 19, 2017, and transported back to Rowan County. The authorities confirmed that alcohol was involved in the incident.
Antonio Rashun Lee, born on September 16, 1990, was a loving son and father. He was survived by his parents, Tony Lee Sr. and Karen Hargrave, as well as his step-parents, siblings, and children. Lee's funeral service was held on June 17, 2017, at The Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association Convention Center in East Spencer.
