Written by Sunday, 26th, July 2026
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. – A Hickory man has been charged with homicide following a fatal shooting Saturday night in Burke County.
According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting at approximately 10:41 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 7870 River Rock Road in Hickory. A caller reported that a fight had occurred and believed someone had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they located an adult male suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest. Deputies and emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded and conducted an investigation into the incident.
As the conclusion of the initial investigation, investigators obtained warrants charging Kenneth Lee Potter, 40, of 4281 South Fork Ave., Hickory, with Felony Unspecified Homicide. Potter was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities said Potter is being held without bond and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday, July 27, 2026.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County EMS, and Icard Fire and Rescue.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
Editor’s Note: All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published as it becomes available through official law enforcement sources.