Hickory police arrest 2 teenagers after fatal shooting in church parking lot

Hickory Police Department arrested two 17-year-olds following a fatal shooting this week of a man at a church parking lot.

The two teenagers were taken into custody on Saturday and have been charged with first degree murder. They are being detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

At this time, no bond is set.

Shortly before 10 p.m., on Feb 20, police found 22-year-old Mason Cole Pridemore unresponsive with gunshot wounds inside a parked vehicle at the Tabernacle Kids Early Learning Center, according to a department release posted Saturday on social media.

The center is located in the 1400 block of 29th Dr., NE. Pridemore was pronounced dead at the scene due to his wounds.

No other information is available.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, insights or tips related to the case to reach out to Hickory police or contact Investigator Peacock at 828-261-2620.

This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 1:22 PM.