Iredell County, North Carolina – Following a fatal officer-involved shooting near Mooresville, Ashlee Louise Klepfer, the wife of the deceased suspect, has been arrested by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office for allowing juveniles access to firearms during the standoff. The incident occurred after her husband, 39-year-old Justin Strawther, had already killed two individuals and was subsequently shot by law enforcement officers.
Investigators discovered evidence suggesting that Klepfer had played a role in assisting her husband following the homicides. Furthermore, she permitted four juveniles to be inside her residence on Ostwalt Amity Road with access to firearms during the standoff. Subsequently, warrants were issued for her arrest.
Klepfer was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Statesville, where she was found in the company of a 15-year-old boy in possession of a loaded handgun and methamphetamine. The juvenile was also detained, with the Department of Juvenile Justice issuing a secure custody order.
Upon her arrest, Klepfer faced charges including felony accessory after the fact, felony possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, as well as several misdemeanor charges related to drug possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is currently being held without bond, as she was out on bail for a previous charge of violating school attendance laws.
The investigation into the March 10 incident is ongoing, with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office indicating that additional suspects may be charged in connection with the case. As the situation continues to unfold, updates will be provided as new information emerges.