On March 21, 2024, 17-year-old Kaley Michelle Fowler tragically lost her life at her residence in Chadbourn, North Carolina. Born on February 9, 2007, in Columbus County, Kaley was the daughter of Patricia Joyce Sellers and Jeffery Dale Fowler. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Patsy Adeline Stone and William Troy Sellers, and her paternal grandmother, Diane Rose Stroud Anderson.
She is survived by her parents; her sister, Morgan Rose Fowler; half-sister, Amber Marie Lee; brothers, Austin Troy Fowler and Zachary Dylan Fowler; paternal grandfather, Sterling Fowler; and paternal step-grandfather, Will Anderson.
According to reports, Kaley was fatally shot while attempting to intervene in a domestic altercation between her parents. Her father, 56-year-old Jeffrey Dale Fowler, allegedly shot her during the dispute. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with his daughter's death.
This tragic incident is part of a concerning pattern of domestic violence-related homicides in the region. In the first half of 2024, at least 37 homicides were recorded in North Carolina's Border Belt, including Columbus County, with several cases involving family members. Kaley's death underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities.
Funeral services for Kaley were held on March 29, 2024, at Worthington Funeral Home Chapel, followed by burial in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery. The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made toward burial expenses.
