A Newton man has been detained and faces murder charges following a Christmas night disturbance that resulted in one death and left another person critically injured. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office reported to the scene of the incident on Mountain Grove Road around 10:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance. According to WSOC-TV, upon their arrival, deputies found two people critically injured, subsequently identified as 42-year-old Candy Annette Stacks and a male victim whose name has not been released.
Stacks was transported to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The male victim currently remains in a state of critical condition as of the last update from authorities. Brent Allen Dingess, 32, who resides at the home in question, was arrested on site. Dingess was charged with one count of murder and a count of attempted first-degree murder, as stated by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. He is being held without bond, with additional charges expected to be announced.
The victims were airlifted to a hospital for treatment after being found with serious injuries. WCNC reports that Stacks later passed away on Thursday due to the injuries suffered during the assault. Dingess's initial court appearance has been scheduled for Monday, December 30, according to officials.
Previous incidents involving Dingess include a felony assault charge for inflicting serious injury in Iredell County, and he had an outstanding warrant from Alexander County for misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, as well as misdemeanor injury to personal property. His prior criminal record may impact the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, as noted by the Sheriff's Office. Details on the motive or circumstances leading up to the tragic event remain sparse, but WBTV's coverage included that Dingess is expected to face the court today for his initial appearance concerning the charges filed against him.
