Shonniel Solo Blackburn, a 35-year-old father of five, was shot and killed on June 13, 2022, in Hickory, North Carolina. He was reportedly on his way to pick up his children when the shooting occurred at the Blue Ridge Heights apartments along South Center Street near Highway 70. Witnesses heard as many as a dozen shots, and Blackburn was found dead at the scene.

The investigation led to multiple arrests. On July 1, 2022, U.S. Marshals took 21-year-old Aunshae Conley into custody on a murder warrant; Conley is being held in the Catawba County Jail without bond. Three 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old were also arrested and charged in connection with Blackburn’s death; their identities have not been disclosed because of their ages. Family and community members have spoken about the loss as attention focuses on ongoing gun violence in the area.

If anyone has information about what happened that day at Blue Ridge Heights, please come forward to assist the investigation.