FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2025
Arrests Made in April Homicide of Innocent Gastonia Man
Gastonia, N.C. – The Gastonia Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, has made arrests in the April 19, 2025, homicide of Jeffery Carter, a 40-year-old Gastonia resident who was tragically killed in the front yard of his home.
Officers responded to 2308 Hawkins Street at 2:54 a.m. on April 19th following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Carter suffering from a gunshot wound. Investigators later determined Carter was an innocent bystander, standing in his own yard several houses away from a nearby party where a fight escalated into gunfire.
As a result of an extensive investigation, two individuals have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder:
Keith McClure, 22 years old
Jasmionta Mackey, 21 years old
Police have learned that individuals involved in the incident had been at Legends, located at 420 W. Main Avenue, on the night of April 18, 2025, before moving to the area of Proctor Street and Hawkins Street in the early morning hours of April 19.
“This was a tragic and senseless loss of life. Mr. Carter had no involvement in the altercation that led to this shooting. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—standing in his own yard,” said Assistant Police Chief Nancy Brogdon. “We are grateful for the hard work of our detectives and the tips we’ve received from the public that helped bring about these arrests.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are asking for the public’s continued help. If you were at Legends or in the Proctor and Hawkins Street area during the early morning hours of April 19 and have any information that may assist in this case, please contact GPD at 704-866-6702 or call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Tips can remain anonymous.
Media Contact:
Bill McGinty
Public Information/Media Relations
Gastonia Police Department
Bill.McGinty@Gastonianc.gov
