Burke County -- May 19, 2026: The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a Tuesday shooting that left an 18-year-old dead and a 47-year-old injured.
According to a press release from the sheriff's office, deputies responded to a home at 4442 Mount Olive Church Road in Morganton on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The initial emergency call was dispatched as a reported cardiac arrest, but during the 911 call, the caller advised dispatchers that someone had been shot. A second caller contacted 911 shortly after, reporting that multiple people had been shot at the scene.
Investigation and Victim Identification
Upon arriving at the residence, deputies located two male victims:
One victim who had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
A second victim who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Burke County EMS responded to the scene, where the victim with the chest wound was pronounced deceased. Authorities have identified the deceased as Dawson Timothy Whisenant, 18, of Morganton.
The surviving victim was identified as Timothy Floyd Whisenant, 47, of Morganton. Information regarding his current medical condition has not yet been released.
No Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as they piece together the events that led to the gunfire.
As of Tuesday afternoon, officials stated that no charges have been filed in connection with the incident. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.