Man accused of killing woman at Hickory motel in custody

HICKORY, N.C. – A man is in custody in connection to a deadly shooting that happened at a motel on July 4 in Hickory.

Around 6:40 p.m. on July 4, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive female inside a room at the Deluxe Inn motel off Hwy 70 SW.

The woman, 30-year-old Mary Ervin, was pronounced dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Following an investigation, officers identified 30-year-old James Houser as the suspect.

Houser was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder. He is currently in the custody of the Catawba County Detention Center without bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Peacock at 828-261-2620.