Larry Clyde Adams

By Sarah Nagem

snagem@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — The man who told police he accidentally shot and killed his friend Wednesday won't face criminal charges — at least not until the state reviews evidence from the scene.

Johnny Ray Canupp Jr., 20, told Kannapolis Police investigators he was holding a small-caliber handgun when the weapon discharged, Lt. Ken Jackson said.

The bullet struck and killed Larry Clyde Adams Sr., 67, around 6 p.m. Wednesday. The incident happened behind Adams' house at 204 W. 21st St.

Police talked to the Rowan County District Attorney's office Wednesday, Jackson said. From that conversation, he said, investigators decided to delay any possible charges until the State Bureau of Investigation reviews the evidence.

"We're going to send the weapon off to be analyzed," Jackson said.

Analysts will test gunshot residue and attempt to determine if the gun was functioning properly at the time of the incident, he said. Jackson hopes the results will be ready in a couple of weeks.

Johnny Canupp was at Adams' house with his brother, David, at the time of the incident. They and another brother are triplets, according to police.

Adams had befriended the young men and served as a father figure to them, his family said Wednesday night. The triplets sometimes did odd jobs, like fixing cars or painting, for Adams and his wife, Anita.

Jackson said police think Johnny Canupp had bought the gun off the street.

"He'd had the weapon for several days," Jackson said.

Johnny Canupp is old enough to possess a handgun, but the law says a person must be at least 21 to purchase one, Jackson said.

"He should not have had possession of the weapon, but — it happens," Jackson said.

"There may be some weapons violations that come out of this," he continued.

Adams had three children and 13 grandchildren. He had retired from a Charlotte trucking company.

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