UPDATE: Hickory Police investigate homicide case

Hickory Police have taken James David Houser into custody for the homicide case that occurred on July 4, 2025.

James David Houser, 30, of Hickory is charged with murder and is currently in custody at the Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond.

Houser’s charge is related to a homicide case that began on July 4, 2025 when officers responded to a report of a unresponsive female at the Deluxe Inn at 325 Hwy 70 SW. The victim, Mary Elizabeth Ervin, 30, of Hickory, was found deceased inside the room from an apparent gunshot wound.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to the investigation of this case, please contact Investigator Peacock at 828-261-2620 or email him at dpeacock@hickorync.gov.