A man is dead and a Hickory resident is in custody after Burke County deputies found a shooting victim at a home on River Rock Road on Saturday, setting off a homicide investigation that remains active. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and officials say they are holding back his identity until relatives can be notified.
According to a Facebook post from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to 7870 River Rock Road on Saturday and found a man with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators obtained warrants for 40-year-old Kenneth Lee Potter, born November 12, 1985, who was later arrested without incident. Potter is charged with an unspecified homicide offense, is being held without bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. The sheriff's office said Icard Fire & Rescue and Burke County EMS both assisted at the scene as the investigation continues.
Who Responded
Icard Fire & Rescue, the volunteer department that serves Icard and eastern Burke County, lists emergency response and mutual aid among its core responsibilities. That department, along with Burke County EMS, was noted in the sheriff's report as assisting deputies at the River Rock Road scene.
Broader County Context
The River Rock Road case is unfolding alongside other active homicide investigations in Burke County. Earlier the same day, WHKY reported arrests in a separate Glen Alpine homicide probe. Investigators in both cases have been working with other local and state agencies as needed.
How To Reach Authorities
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the River Rock Road shooting to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office tip line or submit information through the agency's website. Deputies are especially interested in hearing from residents who may have video or specific observations from the area on Saturday, as they continue to piece together what happened. Contact details are available through the Burke County Sheriff's Office online.
