Hickory Police investigate homicide

On Saturday, November 5, at approximately 2:52 a.m., Hickory Police Officers responded to the 900 Block of Highland Avenue NE after receiving a 911 call from a citizen who was driving on Highland Avenue NE and observed a vehicle that had driven off the roadway. The caller advised there were two males inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers located the driver of a 2021 Kia Forte, Eric Rhynhart (42 years old) and the passenger, Khalil Rhynhart (20 years old) injured from gunshot wounds. Catawba County EMS responded and transported Eric Rhynhart to a local hospital and he is currently in stable condition. Khalil Rhynhart was pronounced dead at the scene. 

During the initial investigation, it was determined that Eric Rhynhart and Khalil Rhynhart were shot while traveling north in the 500 block of Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE by a suspect or suspects that fired multiple rounds into their vehicle. This is an on-going investigation and Investigators are working to identify suspects and determine a motive for the shooting. 

Anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation is encouraged to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator T. Johnson directly at 828-261-2619 or tjohnson@hickorync.gov.