Hickory Police Homicide Investigation Update

Hickory Police have taken a second suspect into custody for a homicide case that began on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Jamarion Kevonte Lackey, 20, was taken into custody in Hickory on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. He is charged with first degree murder, attempted first degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Lackey is currently held at the Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond.

Hickory officers responded to reports of a shooting on October 14. Dionte Jashea Murph, 23, of Hickory, was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. One additional victim, Phalen Devon Izard Jr., 19, of Hickory, traveled to a local hospital with a gunshot wound which caused a non-life-threatening injury.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551, or call Investigator Helderman at 828-261-2621 or email him at rhelderman@hickorync.gov.