Deadly Shooting in Gaston County Triggers Manhunt

A tragic shooting at a family home in North Carolina resulted in two fatalities and an urgent search for the suspected killers. The incident, which took place on Forbes Road, prompted an interstate manhunt that ended in more violence.

Around 8:43 a.m. on Thursday, Gaston County Police were called to a scene of reported gunfire. Upon arrival, they found four individuals with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, two were declared dead at the scene, and two others were immediately taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where they were reported to be in critical condition.

The victims were identified as 50-year-old Victoria “Heather” Moore and her 38-year-old nephew, Megan “Josiah” Bumgardner. According to police, the surviving pair remained in critical but stable condition by Friday.

Authorities quickly identified two residents of the home, 26-year-old Camryn Moore and 29-year-old Cory Armstrong, as suspects. It was reported that Heather Moore was Camryn’s mother, and Bumgardner was her uncle.

Police indicated that those involved were acquainted, labeling the shooting as an isolated incident and assuring the local community that there was no ongoing threat.

While investigators have yet to reveal the motives behind the violence, they suggest that the two suspects left Gaston County shortly after the incident. By Thursday afternoon, warrants had been issued for each, charging them with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

The police turned to the U.S. Marshals Service for help as they tracked the suspects across state lines overnight. The search led them to Ohio early Friday when state troopers spotted the suspects’ vehicle near Athens and tried to pull it over, triggering a multi-county chase.

That pursuit ended violently when the suspects’ car crashed while trying to avoid spike strips. Officers reported hearing gunshots from the wrecked vehicle and later used a drone to inspect the inside, where they discovered both Moore and Armstrong deceased. Authorities have not clarified who fired the shots or the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Meanwhile, residents in the typically quiet neighborhood expressed shock over the violence. Loretta Forbes, a longtime neighbor, spoke of her disbelief and sorrow, reflecting on her familiarity with the family involved. “They seem to be very nice people. It just shakes you up to think that could happen so close by,” she commented, emphasizing her desire for answers.

A friend of Heather Moore, Jennifer Greene, said she visited the home after Heather did not show up for work, underscoring the unfortunate and unexpected nature of the tragedy.

The Gaston County Police described the incident as a “tragic act of violence” and reassured the public that their investigation is still ongoing, despite the search for the suspects concluding.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective G. Lancaster or CrimeStoppers for assistance.