Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza, 28, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of October 19, 2020, inside a home on White Tail Circle in Conover, North Carolina. Deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office found him deceased at the scene with at least one gunshot wound to the chest. He was the son of Samuel Loza and Margarita Loza and is survived by his parents, a brother, several sisters, a son, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Investigators say the shooting followed a confrontation over fake drugs. Tony Marshall Shook, 54, and a woman identified as Sheala Layell went to Samuel’s residence to demand money after Shook paid $400 to $500 for drugs that turned out to be counterfeit. Shook reportedly pointed a gun, demanded $500, and shot Samuel when Samuel said he did not have the money; Shook and Layell then searched Samuel’s pockets and left with about $15 and multiple green Xanax bars.

Anyone who knew Samuel, his routines, or who has information about the events of October 19, 2020, in Conover is asked to come forward.