David Joseph Yates II, 30, of Lincolnton, North Carolina, was found dead June 7, 2018, on Ivey Drive near Humphrey Road in Gastonia. A home health nurse in the neighborhood discovered Yates lying in the roadway; he had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen that proved fatal. Multiple yellow evidence markers at the scene indicated several shots were fired.

Investigators say the victim’s girlfriend was at the scene and removed needles and drugs from Yates’ book bag before police arrived. Undercover and uniformed detectives responded, and several officers wearing body armor left the scene shortly after noon. Authorities later arrested four people near Grover in Cleveland County — David Keith Bridges, 24; James Lee Flanagan, 26; Amanda Kelly Hoppel, 25; and Jordan William Gigee, 28 — charging them with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and first-degree kidnapping. All were held without bond and had first appearances set for June 8, 2018.

District Attorney Locke Bell and Assistant District Attorney Meghan Rhoden were called to the scene. Residents reported an ongoing police presence in the neighborhood as the investigation continued. If anyone has information about Yates, his movements that day, or the people charged, please come forward.