Lenny James Presnell Jr. was a beloved local figure in Chesnee, South Carolina, known for his friendly nature and his talent for making people smile. At 39 years old, he was affectionately called “The Wheelie Man” by many who enjoyed watching him ride his bicycle around town, performing tricks. A friend remembered him as someone who loved life. Born on August 28, 1987, Lenny was known for helping anyone in need.
His passing brought deep sorrow to his family and the community that knew him well. He is survived by his son, Lelyn; his parents, Lenny Presnell Sr. and Candy Smith; his brothers, Andrew, Tyler, and Caleb; his sister, Stacey; and many nieces and nephews who treasured their time with him.
The morning of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, began with a series of violent and apparently random attacks that shattered the small city of Chesnee. Around 6:45 a.m., deputies from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an active assault at a shopping center on South Alabama Avenue. The chaos unfolded across three locations: a Food Lion grocery store, a nearby Hardee’s restaurant, and the Chesnee Car Wash. Investigators determined that a single assailant had targeted four separate victims who had no known connection to him.
At the Food Lion, the attacker shot and pistol-whipped a female employee who was waiting in her car for the store to open. She was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and was expected to make a full recovery. Near the Hardee's, two other people were physically assaulted and pushed. A short distance away, at the Chesnee Car Wash, police discovered Lenny James Presnell Jr. He had been fatally shot.
When police arrived at the Food Lion parking lot, they quickly located and detained a suspect, identified as 24-year-old Noah Ashton Kowalewsky. Due to the homicide, the Chesnee Police Department requested that the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office lead the investigation. Kowalewsky was arrested and subsequently charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and third-degree assault and battery.
During a bond hearing the following day, Solicitor Barry Barnette stated that the violent rampage appeared to be completely random, and the victims and their families did not know why they had been targeted. Lenny’s father and brother gave emotional statements, asking the judge to deny bond for the man accused of killing their loved one. The daughter and brother of the woman assaulted at the Food Lion were also present and made the same request. The judge denied bond on all charges, and Kowalewsky was remanded to the Spartanburg County Detention Facility. He was scheduled to appear in a general sessions court hearing on December 17, 2026.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of a man known for his kindness and cheerful presence. A Celebration of Life service for Lenny was held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory. The mortuary also accepted donations to help the family with funeral costs. Friends and family gathered to honor his memory, finding comfort in their shared stories and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
The case against Noah Kowalewsky is proceeding through the court system. As of late October 2026, he remained in custody awaiting his next court appearance. The community continues to grieve for Lenny Presnell Jr., a man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence, remembering him as the joyful "Wheelie Man" who brought laughter to their town.
