An 18 year-old man charged with first degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon following last weekend’s fatal drive-by shooting in the Cleveland community made his first appearance on Tuesday in Johnston County Court.
Joshua Caleb Draughon of Garner was arrested Monday when he showed up at the Wake County Courthouse for an unrelated case. Draughon has been identified as one of three suspects who shot and killed 15 year-old Kaylen Marion Middleton and wounded 20 year-old Desmond Tyrese Barnes, both of Clayton, in a drive-by shooting in front of 103 Blackthorne Court at 1:39am Saturday.
Middleton died at the scene. Barnes was treated and released at the hospital for a gunshot wound to the foot.
Draughon appeared Tuesday before Judge Addie Rawls who ordered the teenager held without bond. Draughon will have his next court appearance on August 1st.
The second murder suspect, 19 year-old Quashaad Powell surrendered to Wake County authorities Tuesday afternoon. He was transported to Johnston County and formally charged with murder and assault.
Authorities have not identified the third suspect. A motive hasn’t been disclosed but investigators believe the suspects and victims knew one another.
Anyone with information about the third murder suspect is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5010. Callers may remain anonymous.
Photo by John Payne
