Steven Mark Hilton, 46, was shot and killed early on May 27, 2024, at a residence on Dellwood Road in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, across from High Country Furniture. Responding officers found Hilton deceased after a report of a suspicious situation. He was a native of Buncombe County, born April 17, 1978, and worked as a custom home builder who had recently moved his construction business from Hendersonville to Haywood County.

Authorities arrested 42-year-old Eriberto Exiga Cardena of Hendersonville and charged him with Hilton’s murder; court filings show Cardena was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance on jail premises. Cardena had been an employee and close friend of Hilton. A bond hearing was scheduled for June 5, 2024, and the investigation remained ongoing.

Hilton is survived by his mother, Vicky Howell Hilton; daughters Kimberly and Hannah; and grandchildren Adylee King, Kendall, and Hayes Hilton. The family set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. Did anyone in the area know Steven, his business, or have information about what happened that night?