Son Charged in Father’s Death

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation into a fatal shooting that followed a vehicle crash last summer in Salisbury, resulting in a voluntary manslaughter charge against a Salisbury man.

According to investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on July 15, 2025, in the 2600 block of West Innes Street, just north of Catawba College. Deputies initially responded to reports of a traffic collision followed by gunfire.

The investigation determined that the incident involved a father and son who were driving separate vehicles when a collision occurred in the roadway. Evidence indicates the crash was immediately followed by an exchange of gunfire between the two men.

Responding officers found the father, 53-year-old Tracy Richard Kinser, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a wooded area near the roadway. He was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.

Investigators reviewed video footage that tracked the two men traveling from Salisbury to the scene of the incident and documented a verbal exchange between them prior to the crash. Physical evidence, including tire marks at the scene, showed that the son, 30-year-old Trace Michael Kinser, positioned his vehicle in front of his father’s truck and abruptly stopped, causing his father to collide with him.

Authorities said Trace Michael Kinser remained at the scene and was detained by deputies. Witness statements, physical evidence, and crime scene findings indicate that both individuals discharged firearms during the confrontation.

Following an extensive investigation conducted in collaboration with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office, Trace Michael Kinser was arrested on February 4, 2026. He has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with his father’s death.

He was served with the warrant and is currently being held without bond at the Rowan County Detention Center.