A man has been charged with multiple counts of threatening mass violence at several schools in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. According to court documents, Drew “David” Andres Owens sent threatening emails to various schools in Mecklenburg County, including West Charlotte High School, Ardrey Kell High School, Community House Middle School, and Hawk Ridge Elementary School.
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Details of the Threats
The emails sent by Owens contained specific threats of mass shootings at each of the targeted schools. Owens stated that he intended to carry out attacks at these locations in late February or early March 2025. The emails contained chilling details, including threats to kill staff and students at each school.
In one email, Owens specifically threatened to kill an individual named Darryl, as well as other students at West Charlotte High School. Additional emails detailed similar threats for the other schools, leading to immediate concerns for the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community.
Family Connection and Escalating Threats
Court documents reveal that Owens’ father, Darryl Owens, is an ROTC instructor at West Charlotte High School. The elder Owens was able to identify his son as the person behind the threatening emails, citing a family fallout in 2021 that led to Drew Owens being kicked out of the house. Since then, Drew Owens allegedly began a pattern of harassing family members, neighbors, and family friends, sending threatening letters and emails.
Further allegations suggest that Drew Owens had been spying on neighbors, even taking pictures of his father’s car at his workplace, trying to provoke a reaction.
School District Response
In response to the threats, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools took immediate action to ensure the safety of students and staff. A statement released by the district to Queen City News emphasized the seriousness of the threats and confirmed that appropriate safety measures were taken at the affected schools. The district also reminded students and families that threats are a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may lead to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Drew Owens has been charged with multiple counts of threatening mass violence on educational property. The case remains under investigation, and Owens is due to appear in court in March 2025.