On Sunday March 12th, 2023 at 4:26 pm, the Lowell Police Department, along with the Gaston County Police Department and Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, responded to 307 South Church Street in Lowell in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, responding officers located a male deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers detained several individuals in the residence, including the suspect. All individuals were transported to the Gaston County Police Department as part of the investigation.
The victim was identified as Michael Antoine Drayton Jr, B/M, 5/28/2001. The suspect was identified as Samuel Colt Usery, W/M, 8/29/1993. Both the victim and suspect resided at 307 South Church Street in Lowell.
The Lowell Police Department and the Gaston County Police Department worked with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation. Mr. Usery was charged with second degree murder. He is currently in the Gaston County Jail on a hold awaiting his first appearance in court.
This is an on-going investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lowell Sergeant R. Hoffman at 704-824-8540, Gaston County Police Detective H. Lloyd at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. There is no further information available at this time.