Breaking News: 22-Year-Old Mari Peterson Killed in Drive-By Shooting at Keating Pointe Apartments in Hickory
HICKORY, N.C. — A peaceful evening was shattered by gunfire in Hickory on Monday night as police responded to a deadly drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a young woman. Authorities have now confirmed that 22-year-old Mari Peterson was shot and killed in what investigators believe was a targeted drive-by attack at the Keating Pointe Apartments, located along 2nd Street SE.
The shooting occurred sometime in the evening hours, prompting a heavy police response to the scene. Officers arrived to find Peterson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
As of Tuesday morning, 2nd Street SE remains closed off with crime scene tape stretching across several blocks. Evidence markers are lined up along the roadway, a grim indicator of the extent of the violence. Police investigators, forensic teams, and patrol officers continue to comb the area for shell casings, surveillance footage, and potential witnesses.
“We believe this was a drive-by shooting,” said a Hickory Police Department spokesperson. “At this point, we are working with limited information, but everything indicates that the victim was outside when shots were fired from a moving vehicle.”
Neighbors described hearing a rapid succession of gunshots, followed by screams. Some residents ducked for cover while others immediately dialed 911. One witness, who asked not to be identified, said, “It sounded like a dozen shots, maybe more. Then everything went quiet before the sirens started. It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen right outside your home.”
Mari Peterson, described by friends and neighbors as “kind-hearted” and “full of life,” lived nearby and frequently visited friends at the complex. Many residents woke up Tuesday morning grappling with shock, anger, and sadness. A small memorial has already begun to take shape near the site of the shooting, with candles, flowers, and handwritten messages left in Peterson’s memory.
Police have not released any suspect information or details about the vehicle involved but are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward. Officers are canvassing the area and working with local businesses and residents to identify the shooter or shooters responsible.
“We know the community is shaken,” the spokesperson added. “We want to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to find who did this. This kind of violence has no place in our city.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are pursuing all leads, including whether Peterson was the intended target or if this was a case of mistaken identity.
Residents of Keating Pointe Apartments say they are fed up with the growing concerns about safety. Some described the area as generally quiet but noted that a rise in recent suspicious activity has left many on edge.
Peterson’s family has been notified, and grief counselors have been made available for both her loved ones and members of the community who are struggling to process the tragedy.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hickory Police Department or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
As Hickory mourns the loss of a young life cut short, the community stands united in calling for justice — and an end to the senseless violence plaguing local streets.