Michael Antoine Drayton Jr, 21, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound on March 12, 2023, at about 4:26 p.m. at 307 South Church Street in Lowell, North Carolina. Officers from the Lowell Police Department, Gaston County Police Department and Gaston County Sheriff’s Office responded; several people at the residence were detained for questioning during the initial investigation.

Authorities identified 29-year-old Samuel Colt Usery, a resident of the same address, as the suspect and charged him with second-degree murder. He was taken into custody and held in the Gaston County Jail awaiting his first court appearance. The Lowell Police, Gaston County Police and the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office worked the investigation.

Drayton was born in Charlotte and remembered for making music, playing video games, and his happy, fun-loving nature. He is survived by his parents, two daughters, two brothers, grandparents and extended family; a visitation and funeral service were held March 17, 2023, at Grier Funeral Service in Charlotte. If anyone has information about the shooting, please contact Lowell Sergeant R. Hoffman at 704-824-8540, Gaston County Police Detective H. Lloyd at 704-866-3320, or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.