Kenneth C. Jones, a 54-year-old man from Canton, North Carolina, was fatally shot on September 29, 2016, in Waynesville, NC. The incident occurred at a residence on Mica Mine Road, off Saunook Road, around 12:45 a.m. The homeowner, a 72-year-old man, called 911 and reported that he had shot Jones, who he claimed was breaking into his home. According to the 911 call, the homeowner stated that Jones had entered his home earlier that night, and despite attempts to get him to leave, Jones refused and eventually started fighting with the homeowner. The homeowner then fired his gun three times, hitting Jones at least once. Jones was found dead on the kitchen floor when first responders arrived.
The Haywood County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation and determined that there was no forcible entry to the home, and the two men knew each other. The homeowner claimed that Jones was breaking into his home at the time of the shooting. The sheriff's office continued its investigation throughout the day, but no charges were filed against the homeowner. The incident was classified as a home invasion, and the homeowner's actions were considered self-defense.
Jones' death was a tragic event that left the community in shock. The details of the incident, including the 911 call and the subsequent investigation, revealed a complex situation involving a confrontation between two individuals who knew each other. The homeowner's account of the events leading up to the shooting, as well as the lack of evidence of forcible entry, played a significant role in the decision not to file charges. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in determining the circumstances surrounding such incidents and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.
