ALE charges three after fatal shooting at illegal bar

Three people face charges of illegal alcohol sales following a brawl and a shootout at a birthday party in Northampton County last month that left one man dead and four people wounded.

The incident occurred at the E.E. Odom Civic Center, at 221 Craige St. in Gaston, on Jan. 25. The venue had been set up as an illegal bar with a door cover charge and alcoholic beverages for sale, state North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement officials said Monday.

ALE investigators determined that Tracy Lynn Davis, 45, and her daughter, Jessica Janee Davis, 28, both of Northampton County, had rented out the Odom Civic Center for a friend’s birthday party. Keyshun Boswell, 22, of Halifax County, purchased the alcohol sold during the party – a violation of state law.

None of the three took appropriate security measures to ensure weapons weren't brought to the party, authorities said.

All three have been charged with selling alcoholic beverages without a state Alcoholic Beverage Control permit.

Further charges related to the shooting are expected.