Brown gets 25 years for 2025 murder

Michael Dean Brown has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the April 2025 shooting that left George Dewey Turnmire of China Grove dead. He now faces at least 25 years behind bars.

Brown entered his guilty plea in Rowan County Superior Court on Oct. 27.

The Honorable Michael S. Adkins sentenced Brown to 300 to 372 months (25 to 31 years) in prison.

The investigation began on April 3, 2025, when deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting at 280 Sylvester Road in China Grove. Upon arrival, deputies located Brown outside the residence with a shotgun nearby and detained him.

Deputies entered the residence and found Turnmire dead on the floor with apparent gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and investigated the circumstances surrounding the reported homicide.

“Through physical evidence, witness interviews, and investigative efforts, detectives determined that an ongoing dispute involving scrap metal on the property escalated into an altercation between Brown and Turnmire, who were known to one another,” said a release from the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation reportedly revealed that Brown forced his way into the residence and shot Turnmire with a shotgun. An autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Turnmire died from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.

“The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere appreciation to the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office for its work in prosecuting this case and securing the guilty plea,” the release said. “The Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to George Turnmire’s family and loved ones. The loss of a life under these circumstances is tragic, and our thoughts remain with those affected by this incident.”