KANNAPOLIS — A Kannapolis man charged in the first-degree murder of A.L. Brown senior Kevon Antonio Cousar made his first court appearance Monday, just two days after the teen was laid to rest.

Cousar, 18, was found with a single gunshot wound inside a home on Cottage Road. He died at the scene sometime later following unsuccessful lifesaving attempts.

Jermiah Desean Howard, 19, was charged Friday with first-degree murder. Howard was arrested at the Kannapolis Police Department after he turned himself in during an interview, according to Kannapolis Police.

He was transferred to the Rowan County jail and remains there without bond.

“Kannapolis Police Investigators have worked tirelessly since Kevon’s death, conducting interviews and collecting evidence, to identify the person(s) responsible for this incident,” Kannapolis Police said in a statement.

Police say this is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released at this time.

Kannapolis City Schools issued a statement following Cousar’s death saying the A.L. Brown family is grieving the loss of Kevon Cousar, and their hearts go out to his family and friends.

Extra counselors were made available to help any students or staff members, including individual counseling.

The Kannapolis Police Department requests anyone with additional information regarding this incident to call 704-920-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 704-932-7463 (CRIME).  A reward is available for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this case.

The public can also post or direct message the agency on social media pages, @kannapolis911 on Twitter or Kannapolis911 on Facebook.