Lenny James Presnell Jr., 39, of Chesnee, South Carolina, was shot and killed on Tuesday morning, October 27, and 24-year-old Noah Ashton Kowalewsky has been charged with murder after a string of attacks that left three other people hurt. A judge denied Kowalewsky bond on all charges on Wednesday. The charges are allegations, and Kowalewsky is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What Happened
Spartanburg County deputies were called to the Food Lion on South Alabama Avenue in Chesnee at about 6:45 a.m. after reports that a man was attacking people in the parking lot. Deputies found and detained Kowalewsky there.
As the investigation continued, deputies found victims at the Food Lion and at Hardee’s, and one man dead from a gunshot wound at the nearby Chesnee Car Wash. Presnell was pronounced dead at the scene at 8 a.m. The Spartanburg County Coroner identified him. Chesnee Police asked the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to investigate because the case involved a homicide.
Officials said there were four victims in all:
- One man was shot and killed at the car wash.
- One person was shot and struck with the gun at the Food Lion. That person was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.
- Two other people were pushed.
Among those attacked was a Food Lion employee who was waiting in her car for the store to open. Solicitor Barry Barnette said the attacks appeared completely random and that the victims and their families do not know why they were targeted.
Charges and Bond Hearing
Kowalewsky is charged with murder, attempted murder, two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of third-degree assault and battery. He is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility.
At his bond hearing Wednesday morning, he was denied bond on all charges and ordered to have no direct or indirect contact with the victims or their families. Presnell’s father and brother gave emotional statements asking that bond be denied, as did the daughter and brother of the Food Lion employee who was assaulted.
Kowalewsky is due in general sessions court on December 17 at 9 a.m. and has 10 days from Wednesday to request a preliminary hearing.
Remembering Lenny Presnell
Presnell was known to many in Chesnee as “The Wheelie Man.” His friend Christopher Jolley described him as someone who was always friendly and loved life.
Food Lion Statement
A Food Lion spokesperson said the store would remain closed for the day and that questions about the active investigation should go to law enforcement.
What’s Next
The investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story, and updates will be added as more information is released.
