CHADBOURN, N.C. — A Sunday afternoon shooting just outside the town of Chadbourn has claimed the life of a local man and resulted in murder charges against another individual, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Dudney Lane on Sunday, December 21, 2025, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim who was unresponsive. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures, including chest compressions, and continued those efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived. Despite their sustained attempts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim has been identified as David Ray Ivey Jr.
One individual was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Following an investigation conducted by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, William Cody Inman, 29, of Chadbourn, was charged with one count of First-Degree Murder and two counts of Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling. Inman was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
Columbus County Sheriff William A. Rogers said deputies responded quickly and did everything possible in an attempt to save the victim’s life, calling the incident a heartbreaking loss for both the family and the community. He added that the sheriff’s office will continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional details are being released at this time in order to protect the integrity of the case.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of David Ray Ivey Jr. during this difficult time.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The information provided is not intended to express an opinion regarding guilt.