Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza, a 28-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on October 19, 2020, in Conover, North Carolina. Born on January 15, 1992, Samuel was the son of Samuel Loza and Margarita Loza. He was survived by his parents, a brother, several sisters, a son, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The circumstances surrounding Samuel's death were harrowing.
On the early morning of October 19, 2020, deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting at a residence on White Tail Circle in Conover. Upon arrival, they discovered Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza deceased inside the residence, having suffered at least one gunshot wound.
The investigation revealed that Tony Marshall Shook, a 54-year-old man from Claremont, North Carolina, was responsible for the shooting. Shook had given a woman he was involved with between $400 and $500 to buy drugs, but the drugs turned out to be fake. On the night of the incident, Shook and the woman, Sheala Layell, went to Samuel's residence to confront him about the money owed for the fake drugs. Shook pointed a gun at Samuel and demanded $500. When Samuel said he did not have the money, Shook shot him in the chest. Shook and Layell then searched Samuel's pockets, taking about $15 and multiple green Xanax bars before fleeing the scene.
Tony Marshall Shook was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. During the trial, Shook admitted to shooting and killing Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza. He was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison and was ordered to pay restitution to Samuel's family. Sheala Layell was charged with accessory after the fact.
The tragic death of Samuel Antonio Hernandez Loza highlights the devastating consequences of drug-related violence and the impact it has on families and communities. The legal proceedings that followed sought to bring justice to Samuel's family and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
