On Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, deputies with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at 183 Dogwood Road in the Brushy Mountain community of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.
The call came in at approximately 5:09 a.m. after a woman reported that she had shot her partner while cleaning a shotgun. When deputies arrived, they found Jason Gregory Olney, 41, of North Wilkesboro, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified the suspect as Megan Jane Thomas, 39, who lived at the residence. According to reports, a neighbor in the area heard three gunshots around the same time the call was placed. Thomas was taken into custody and charged with first‑degree murder, breaking or entering with intent to terrorize or injure, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Authorities confirmed that Thomas is being held without bond at the Wilkes County Jail. Officials stated she will likely make her first court appearance in Wilkes District Court on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, but investigators are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The Brushy Mountain community, a rural area in Wilkes County, was shaken by the incident. Residents expressed shock at the violence, noting that the area is typically quiet. The case has raised concerns about domestic disputes and firearm safety, especially given Thomas’s claim that the shooting occurred while she was cleaning the weapon.
Olney’s death has left family and friends devastated. He was remembered as a North Wilkesboro resident whose life ended suddenly and tragically. Community members have begun offering condolences and support to his loved ones, while also calling for accountability in the ongoing investigation.
The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation remains active. Officials are working to determine whether Thomas’s account of the shooting aligns with forensic evidence. As the case moves forward, the community awaits clarity and justice for the loss of Jason Gregory Olney.
