Hickory police investigate homicide case; seek public's help in locating two murder suspects

The Hickory Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating two individuals wanted in connection with the October 14 homicide in the 600 block of 14th Street SW, where Dionte Jashea Murph, 23, was fatally shot and Phalen Devon Izard Jr., 19, sustained a non‑life‑threatening gunshot injury. 

Hickory Police are seeking the public’s help in locating Deandre Moore (BM, 01/31/2008, 5'09", 120 lbs, black hair, brown eyes) and 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), who are both wanted for Murder and Attempted Murder in connection with this case.

Both individuals should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact the Hickory Police Department at (828) 328-5551 or Investigator Helderman at 828‑261‑2621, email rhelderman@hickorync.gov.

Oct. 15, 2026

Hickory Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 600 block of 14th Street SW on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

At approximately 6:51 p.m., Hickory officers responded to reports of a shooting where 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 investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Investigator Helderman at 828-261-2621 or email him at rhelderman@hickorync.gov.