Hickory Police investigate homicide case

On Monday, March 13, at approximately 10:31 a.m., the Hickory Police Department’s Communications Center received multiple 911 calls from individuals stating that a male had been stabbed in the parking lot of LR Plaza by another male. The callers advised that both the victim and the suspect had entered New Season Hickory Metro Treatment Center, 1152 Lenoir Boulevard SE, after the stabbing occurred.

Upon arrival, officers located 37-year-old Cory Andrew Hartness inside the business with multiple stab wounds, as well as the suspect, 29-year-old Allen Anthony Little. Catawba County EMS responded and transported Hartness to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he was treated and died later as a result of his injuries.  

During the initial investigation, it was reported that Hartness and Little were involved in a physical altercation in the parking lot of Lenoir Rhyne Plaza. Hartness was stabbed during the altercation. Allen Little was initially charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. The charges were upgraded to murder after the death of Hartness. Little is currently being held in the Catawba County Jail. Investigators are continuing their investigation and additional details will be released as they become available. 

Anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation is encouraged to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator C. Laffon directly at 828-261-2636 or claffon@hickorync.gov.