Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a tragic turn of events, a suspect in connection to a double homicide in Iredell County has been killed in an officer-involved shooting, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place at 109 Home Drive in Mooresville, North Carolina, where deputies responded to a distress call. Upon arrival, they found three victims restrained and bound, with two individuals already deceased. The victims have been identified as 22-year-old Eduardo Cordova and 24-year-old Caleb Loper, while a third victim was rushed to a local medical center with life-threatening injuries.
Authorities received information on the suspect, 39-year-old Justin Michael Strawser, leading them to 1580 Oswalt Amity Road. Strawser barricaded himself inside the residence and pointed a gun at deputies, subsequently firing at them with an AR-15 rifle.
Standoff with Law Enforcement
During the standoff, it was discovered that four juveniles were inside the home with Strawser. Despite rescue attempts by deputies, the juveniles refused to leave the premises. Strawser repeatedly fired rounds at deputies from inside the house, damaging multiple sheriff’s office vehicles.
Throughout the ordeal, Strawser made incriminating statements to negotiators regarding his involvement in the double homicide at 109 Home Drive. Authorities deployed gas inside the home to force Strawser out, prompting the juveniles to flee. Strawser followed them, firing his rifle at deputies, who responded by returning fire and fatally shooting Strawser, who was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Investigation and Aftermath
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, resulting in three deputies being placed on administrative leave. It has been revealed that the incident was not a random home invasion, as Strawser and the victims were acquainted, with narcotics and robbery suspected as possible motives.
Records indicate that Strawser had upcoming court dates for various felony charges, including possession of a weapon of mass destruction, altering evidence, drug offenses, assault by strangulation, and child abuse.
Deputies have confirmed that the juveniles and law enforcement personnel involved in the operation emerged unscathed from the confrontation.
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