Written by Wednesday, 5th, August 2026
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. – Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred late July 25 in eastern Burke County as Kendall Lorian Lineberger, 30, of 7870 River Rock Road, Hickory, according to an update released by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said Lineberger’s next of kin have been notified. The Sheriff’s Office said the homicide investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
Deputies responded at approximately 10:41 p.m. on July 25 to a reported shooting at 7870 River Rock Road after a caller reported a fight and believed someone had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they located Lineberger suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest. Deputies performed life-saving efforts, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to process the scene and conduct the investigation.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant charging Kenneth Lee Potter, 40, of Hickory, with felony unspecified homicide. Authorities said Potter was taken into custody without incident and is being held without bond. Court records list an initial court appearance on July 27.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting have been released.
Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County EMS. and Icard Fire and Rescue.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
All persons charged 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 sources.