Ronald Albert Ronnie Ward, 58, of Lenoir, North Carolina, was found dead at his home on Laurel Place on June 30, 2021. Responding officers arrived after a 911 report of shots fired, a fire, and a possible explosion. The house was burning when first responders arrived; after the fire was extinguished investigators discovered four people inside who had sustained gunshot wounds.

The victims were identified as Ronald Albert Ward, Ronald James Ward, Katlyn Nichole Ward, and Emily Grace Ward. Investigators determined the fire had been started intentionally with an accelerant. The Lenoir Police Department, the Lenoir Fire Department, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation worked the scene. No further details were released and the investigation remains ongoing.

Ronnie was a tool and die maker, a coin collector, a fan of vintage cars, and served as Choir Director at Hillcrest Baptist Church. If anyone has information about the events at the Laurel Place residence on June 30, 2021, please come forward.