Suspected Home Intruder Shot and Killed on Hickory Grove Road in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — A suspected home invasion on Hickory Grove Road ended in gunfire on Sunday, June 14, 2026, leaving one man dead. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is investigating the incident, which appears to have stemmed from a domestic custody dispute.

Officers responded to emergency calls regarding a breaking and entering in progress in the 5800 block of Hickory Grove Road late Sunday evening. Upon arriving at the residence, officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The individual, identified as 30-year-old Samuel Jerome Lomax Jr. of South Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene by medic personnel.

According to preliminary findings by CMPD homicide detectives, Lomax reportedly forced his way into the residence. Investigators believe the incident was motivated by an active child custody dispute, and Lomax was attempting to gain access to his children who were inside the house. During the confrontation, a resident inside the home discharged a firearm, striking Lomax.

CMPD Homicide Unit detectives spent several hours processing the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Investigators are working to determine if the shooting occurred inside or outside the threshold of the home, which is a key legal factor under North Carolina's Castle Doctrine laws. The Castle Doctrine generally protects individuals who use deadly force to defend themselves against unlawful and forced entry into their occupied homes.

As of June 15, no charges have been filed against the resident who fired the shot. CMPD stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Homicide Unit directly at 704-432-TIPS and speak to Detective B. Davidson, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.