Another Arrest Made In Rowan County Shooting

Khari McClelland

Khari McClelland

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. – A third arrest has been made in the case of Marcus “Marco” Kauffman, the man who was shot in the head during a botched burglary at his home.

Khari Dewayne McClelland, 23, was arrested in the Newton-Conover area Monday afternoon, according to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

Earlier Monday, investigators with the Sheriff’s Office said Kauffman may have been shot in the head with his own gun during a botched burglary at his home.

Investigators say they have not confirmed whether Kauffman’s gun was used in the crime, but that it is “possible.”

He is still in critical condition in the hospital. Friends are family are praying by his bedside daily.

Meanwhile two suspects appeared briefly in court Monday on charges relating to the burglary and shooting.

Jalend Turner was arrested Friday and charged with attempted murder. Another man, Michael Dwayne Teasley, is charged with accessory after the fact.

Bond for Turner is set at $3 million.  Bond for Teasley is $500,000.

Deputies are still looking 18-year-old Tramel Devon Hart.

Detectives say they located a suspect’s car in Alexander County and identified McClelland as a suspect then.

According to arrest warrants issued for McClelland, officials believe he stole a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an Xbox gaming system, and a firearm.

The Rowan Sheriff’s Investigators enlisted the help of the Statesville Police Department, and were able to recover a computer stolen from the break-in at the victim’s residence on Chenault Road in Cleveland.

Last Monday, Kauffman and his wife Maryanne were returning home from visiting family. The Kauffmans noticed the suspect vehicle parked near their home, and the vehicle appeared to be broken-down. Marcus dropped his wife off at a near-by friend’s house, and returned to offer assistance.

When Kauffman returned, he discovered the suspects appeared to be removing items from his home, which included a computer – which investigators say has now been recovered.
Kauffman called 911, and during the call asked the suspects why they were taking his stuff.

During this conversation, Mr. Kauffman told the dispatcher that shots were being fired and the call was lost. Mr. Kauffman was found in his car with a very severe gunshot wound to his head.

The suspects fled the scene with the Kauffman’s property. Marco Kauffman remains in the hospital fighting for his life.

Investigators say Hart should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Staff Sergeant Jason Owens (704) 216-8683 or 1st Lieutenant Chad Moose (704) 216-8687, at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

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