A devastating drive-by shooting at Keating Pointe Apartments in Hickory, North Carolina, has left the community reeling after 22-year-old Mari Peterson was killed on the evening of Monday, July 14, 2025. The incident, which occurred at the apartment complex on 2nd Street SE, has prompted a swift response from local authorities and sparked fear among residents.
According to the Hickory Police Department, the shooting took place in the evening hours and is believed to have been a targeted drive-by attack. Mari Peterson, a resident of the complex, was struck by multiple gunshots and was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to save her life. No additional injuries were reported in this incident, though the violence has deeply shaken the community.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, with police working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Crime scene investigators have cordoned off portions of 2nd Street SE, where evidence markers and crime scene tape indicate the severity of the incident. Authorities are analyzing shell casings and reviewing surveillance footage to identify suspects, but no arrests have been made as of Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Residents of Keating Pointe Apartments have expressed growing concerns about safety in the area. Many described the complex as typically quiet, though some noted a recent uptick in suspicious activity that had left them uneasy. “This is supposed to be a safe place to live,” one tenant said. “Now we’re all looking over our shoulders.” Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added, “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so young. We just want answers and justice.”
Community leaders have stepped in to provide support, offering grief counseling to Peterson’s family and neighbors struggling to process the loss. The community is coming together to honor Mari Peterson’s memory and to call for an end to the senseless violence plaguing their streets.
The Hickory Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant video footage are encouraged to contact the department directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Even small details could prove critical in solving the case and bringing those responsible to justice.
As the investigation continues, Hickory mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the shock of violence hitting so close to home. The community remains united in its resolve to seek justice for Mari Peterson and to restore a sense of safety to Keating Pointe Apartments.
