Franklin Antonio Tony Bowden II, 22, was found dead inside a vehicle from apparent gunshot wounds on May 24, 2023, in the 400 block of North Davis Street in Kinston, North Carolina. Officers arrived at about 11:28 p.m. and the scene was treated as a homicide.

Investigators identified multiple suspects connected to Bowden’s death. On May 25, 2023, 31-year-old Tyrone Anthony Koonce was arrested in Kinston and charged with aiding and abetting murder and possession of two stolen firearms. On June 1, 2023, 34-year-old Mario Devon King was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police outside Pittsburgh and charged with first-degree murder; he faced extradition to Kinston. On July 12, 2023, Kinston Police SWAT, Patrol, and ALE units arrested 39-year-old Retho Gardner at a residence in the 900 block of Candlewood Drive after obtaining a search warrant; he surrendered peacefully.

Police asked anyone with additional information to contact the Kinston Police Department Tips Line or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers. If anyone knew Bowden or has information about the night of May 24, please come forward.