CATAWBA COUNTY, NC — June 5, 2025, The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office has announced charges against two men in connection with a mass shooting that has alarmed the community. Authorities say 18-year-old Izaiah Kane Mitchell and 22-year-old Zachary Michael Bates, both of Morganton, have each been charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder.
The charges are part of an ongoing investigation involving additional suspects Garon Killian, Toland Huff, and Ke’andre Mack, who were previously arrested in connection to the case. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Mitchell, Bates, and Huff were all considered armed and dangerous as the search intensified.
An update provided at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday revealed that Zachary Michael Bates had been apprehended. His arrest marks a significant development in the case, though Mitchell and Huff remain at large. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its efforts to locate them and is urging the public to stay alert.
Major Aaron Turk, Public Information Officer for the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the importance of public cooperation. “We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything to contact us immediately. The community’s safety is our top priority, and we need your help to bring these individuals to justice,” Turk stated.
Investigators have not yet released specific details about the mass shooting incident, including when or where it occurred, as they continue working through leads. The Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its appeal for information and warned that the remaining suspects should not be approached by the public.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Izaiah Mitchell or Toland Huff is encouraged to call the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112. Callers may remain anonymous. As the investigation unfolds, further updates are expected to be released in the coming days. Law enforcement officials are urging continued community cooperation to help ensure the suspects are located and taken into custody safely.
