SALISBURY — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest following a lengthy investigation into a shooting that occurred last summer and left one person dead.
Trace Michael Kinser, 30, is charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the incident that resulted in the death of his father, 53-year-old Tracy Richard Kinser.
The incident occurred on July 15, 2025 in the 2600 block of West Innes Street in Salisbury.
According to a press release from the RCSO, deputies originally responded to reports of a vehicle crash followed by gunfire.
“The incident involved a father and son who were driving separate vehicles when a collision occurred in the roadway,” the release noted. “Evidence gathered during the investigation indicates the crash was followed by an exchange of gunfire between the two individuals.”
Responding officers located the father, who was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a wooded area near the roadway.
“He was transported to (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center) for treatment but later died as a result of his injuries,” the release said.
According to investigators, “video footage tracked the two men traveling from Salisbury to the incident scene and shows a verbal exchange between the two. Tire marks and physical evidence at the crime scene show that Trace positioned his vehicle in front of his father’s truck and quickly stopped, causing his father to crash into him.”
The younger Kinser remained at the scene and was detained by deputies. Witness statements, physical evidence and crime scene findings indicated both individuals discharged firearms during the confrontation.
The release said described the investigation as extensive and a collaboration between the sheriff’s office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office, which ultimately resulted in the Kinser’s arrest on Wednesday.
He was served with the warrant and is currently being held in the Rowan County Detention Center without bond.
