From the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (June 21, 2025) – On June 21, 2025, at approximately 5:02 am, deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual stating that he had shot his friend. Deputies responded to 145 Hutchins Way where they found 19-year-old Jayden Hunter Hicks suffering from a gunshot wound.
Investigators were able to determine that Hicks was shot by 19-year-old Colton Alexander Adkins, who was a friend of Hicks. Adkins told investigators that he and Hicks were hanging out and listening to music in Adkins’s room, when he picked up a rifle that was in the corner, believing it to be unloaded. He told investigators that he pointed the weapon in Hicks’ direction and pulled the trigger. The weapon went off, striking Hicks. Adkins called 911 and was given instructions for performing life saving measures until first responders arrived. Hicks was pronounced deceased by first responders on scene.
Investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Special Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to process the scene and determine the cause of events and accuracy of information relayed to investigators. After the scene was processed and interviews were concluded, it was determined that Adkins would be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter. Adkins was transported to the Rowan County Magistrates Office where he received a $10,000.00 secured bond.
Adkins was then transported to the Rowan County Detention Center.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective D. Fero or Detective Sgt. K. Holshouser.
What we think is important, moving forward, is to always remember the four cardinal rules of gun safety.
1. Always treat any firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Only point your firearm at your intended target.
3. Be certain of your target and what is behind it.
4. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.
We acknowledge that this is a tragedy that no one should ever have to experience. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Jayden Hicks.