One suspect is in custody and another is being sought in connection to a fatal shooting. WHKY previously reported on the incident.

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, 20-year-old Zachary Craig and 18-year-old Alexander Hipple agreed to meet two suspects in a parking lot of 204 Mills Avenue in Troutman to sell the suspects marijuana. When they arrived the suspects approached the victim’s vehicle and pointed firearms at the victims demanding that they hand over the marijuana. The victims attempted to leave by driving away from the scene of the attempted robbery. One suspect opened fire on the vehicle and stuck Hipple three times and Craig one time. Hipple died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

The Troutman Police Department and NC SBI were able to identify a 17-year-old juvenile as one of the suspects and he was taken into custody on November 7 without incident. This suspect is being held at a juvenile detention center awaiting the case being moved to Superior Court where he will be tried as an adult.

The second suspect has been identified as 19-year-old James Richard Gann (pictured) of 20359 Christofle Drive, Cornelius. Warrants for Gann’s arrest have been obtained. Investigators with the Troutman Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) served a search warrant at Gann’s residence with the assistance of the Cornelius Police Department to attempt to locate Gann and gather additional evidence.

Gann was not located and is believed to have fled out of state.  If you have information on Gann’s current location please contact the Troutman Police Department at 704-528-7610. If you see Gann call 911 and do not approach him as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.

[Story and photo of Gann courtesy of Troutman Police Department]