Hickory Police Homicide Investigation Update

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

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. 

Deandre Moore, 18, was taken into custody in Drexel, NC on Monday, October 19 with the assistance of officers from Drexel Police Department and deputies from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder. Moore is currently held at the Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond.

Another suspect in this case remains at large. The Hickory Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating Jamarion Kevonte Lackey (BM, 01/30/2006, 5'08", 160 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, tattoo on right forearm reading “Loyalty for Life” with an angel). Lackey is wanted for murder and attempted murder in connection with this case.

Lackey should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts, or other information related to this case, 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.