Gaston County Police have filed murder charges against a Taylorsville youth in a Thursday night shooting in western Gaston County that left two youths dead. At 11:45 that night, officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of Lowery Wood Road and Lewis Farm Road in the Tryon area. Upon arrival, they found Robert Lucas (Luke) Gibby, 22, of Bessemer City, and Adam Kale Wood, 19, of Kings Mountain, dead near the intersection. Approximately two hours later, another young man, 21-year-old Todd Payton Lee Waggoner, of Winston-Salem, sought treatment at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in that city, a hundred miles away, for non-life threatening injuries. Waggoner was reported to have been at the scene of the shooting earlier in the night.

Police investigation came up with a suspect, and charges were filed against a Taylorsville youth. Michael Shane Barnes, who turned 19 years old on Saturday (Feb. 20th), has been charged with two counts of first degree murder and one of attempted first degree murder. As of late Saturday, he had not yet been apprehended. Police said Barnes is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is cautioned not to interact with him. Instead, if you see him, call 9-1-1.

Gaston County Police ask that anyone with information about this investigation contact Detective J. Brienza at 704-866-3320. Information can also be provided through CrimeStoppers at 704-861-8000. A monetary reward is available for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Barnes.