On Friday, July 12th at around 2:04pm Alexander County 911 received a call of a victim with a gunshot wound and a house fire at 1036 North Shore Drive in Hickory, which is in the Oliver’s Landing Development of Hickory.
Several good Samaritans that were in the area saw the smoke and were able to pull a victim out the residence that was on fire. Emergency personnel started arriving on the scene. The victim Teresa Ann Bowman who lived at the home was transported by Alexander County EMS to Frye Medical Center where she later died from her injuries. Numerous Fire Departments responded to the scene but the dwelling was destroyed according to County Fire Marshal Mark Earle.
The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a joint investigation. The Fire Marshal’s Office says the cause of the fire was arson by using available materials within the residence. The Sheriff’s Office found that the victim was suffering from a single gunshot wound. The investigation showed the victim first set fire to her residence, then shot herself.
Responding to assist Bethlehem Fire and Rescue, Ellendale Fire Department, Wittenburg Fire Department, Grace Chapel Fire Department, Hiddenite Fire Department, Alexander County Rescue, Alexander County EMS, Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.