The Kinston Police Department has obtained warrants for Retho Gardner (39) of Kinston in connection with the shooting and murder of Franklin Antonio Bowden II. Mr. Gardner is wanted for First Degree Murder, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts is asked to call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.

On Wednesday, May 24th ,2023, at 2328 hrs officers responded to the 400 blk of N Davis St. in regards to a shooting. Upon arrival officers located Franklin Antonio Bowden II deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Update: The Kinston Police Department has obtained warrants for Mario Devon King (34) in connection with the shooting and murder of Franklin Antonio Bowden II. Mr. King is wanted for First Degree Murder and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts is asked to call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939- 4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.