LENOIR, North Carolina — The Lenoir community is reeling after the heartbreaking death of 32‑year‑old Conner James Drum, who was shot and killed Wednesday morning in the 1100 block of SW Tara Place. Police and emergency crews responded just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, after reports of gunfire at a home in the quiet neighborhood. When officers arrived, they found Drum suffering from a gunshot wound and rushed him to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Friends and family described Drum as someone who brought light and connection to the people around him — a loyal son, a good friend, and a familiar face in town. Those who knew him are struggling to grasp how a life so full of promise could end so abruptly. There’s a deep ache in the community as loved ones hold onto memories of shared laughter and moments that now feel impossibly distant.
The Lenoir Police Department quickly arrested 34‑year‑old Preston Kelly Page of Granite Falls in connection with the shooting. Page is now charged with second‑degree murder and is being held without bond at the Caldwell County Detention Center. Officials say the investigation is still ongoing and are urging anyone with information to step forward.
At this stage, police have not released details about what led up to the shooting or any possible motive. As the inquiry continues, detectives are asking community members to share any information they might have — even anonymously — to help bring clarity to a family grappling with loss.
In the wake of Drum’s death, calls for tips are being coordinated through the Lenoir Police Department at 828‑757‑2100 and through Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828‑758‑8300. Officials stress that any small piece of information could be key.
Across town, friends have begun gathering informally to remember Drum for the warmth he gave freely — a presence that made ordinary days feel shared and valued. In moments of shock and sorrow, many in Lenoir are holding onto those personal stories as a way to honor his life.
As the community mourns, Drum’s name is now part of conversations about not just how life ended, but how it was lived — with heart, with people, and with presence. Lenoir residents say they’re focused on healing, remembering him not for the violence of his death, but for the meaningful connections he made along the way.
Here are some relevant online images connected to this story and its context:
Image results show local law enforcement, the scene area, and community vigils surrounding recent events in Lenoir, North Carolina.
