CHADBOURN, NC — Two men are behind bars following a breakthrough in the investigation into a drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Columbus County girl earlier this year.
Armani Darrell Mason, 27, and Tony Larrell Mason, 20, were taken into custody late Thursday night, August 6, by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Both men have been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Autumn Rylee Spivey. They are currently being held without bond at the Columbus County Detention Center awaiting their initial court appearances.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of January 22, 2026, in the China Grove community near Chadbourn. Spivey, a 16-year-old student at West Columbus High School, was at a residence when gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. She sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the attack.
The case remained under intensive investigation for months as detectives worked through leads. Sheriff Bill Rogers previously noted that early progress in the homicide investigation was hampered by a lack of initial cooperation from witnesses and community members. Continued efforts by investigators and investigators’ persistent follow-ups ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a potential motive or specified the relationship, if any, between the suspects and the victim. The investigation remains active, and the Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact local law enforcement.
Any individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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