On May 15, 2023, at about 5:52 p.m., Hickory police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting at the Wimberly Crossing Apartments on 12th Avenue SE. Officers found 46-year-old Wade McArthur Danner Jr. lying on the porch of an apartment with gunshot wounds; Catawba County EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.

Witnesses said Danner had been in a verbal altercation with 30-year-old Octavius Dontae Morgan shortly before the shooting. Morgan allegedly shot Danner and left the area; authorities obtained a warrant charging Morgan with first-degree murder and began searching for him. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Danner pleading with Morgan to put the gun down just before the shots.

Family and neighbors described Danner as a well-known resident who helped others around the complex and sometimes fed and walked Morgan’s dog. Vigils and memorials were held in his honor. If anyone saw events at Wimberly Crossing that evening or has information about what led to the confrontation, please come forward.