Gastonia couple recovering from shooting

GASTONIA, N.C. -- Police have arrested a teenager in connection with the violent robbery at a Gastonia convenience store Saturday night.

Brandon Carson, 16, is being charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder after police say he shot Vicky Madison and her fiance, Luke Williams, inside the Ken's Superette at the corner of West May Avenue and West Airline Avenue around 10 p.m Saturday night.

Both victims were still in serious condition on Monday afternoon.

Police say Carson entered the store and demanded money, but believe he shot the couple and walked out without a cent.

Faye Allen is Vicky Madison's mother.

“[The bullet] went through and is still lodged in her throat, so they've had to put a breathing thing in because she can't talk or breathe without it," Allen said.

Both Madison and Williams have been upgraded from critical to serious condition.

"Everybody around here knew them, and they knew everybody," Allen said.

Madison’s father has owned Ken’s Superette for 25 years.

Madison and Williams operate the store and had plenty of loyal customers.

“This is outrageous,” said Thomas Glenn, a friend of the victims.  "They're mighty fine people, and I just don't understand."

Another friend, Gene Kimsey, agreed.

“They help people out in the neighborhood who don't have anything,” said Kimsey.  “They give them a little credit here and there.  They just do anything for anybody."

WCNC's Melissa Martin will be in court today for the teen's first appearance. She'll have details on WCNC News beginning at 4:30 p.m.