Melquan Hicks-Bey, a 22-year-old African American male, was found dead on November 5, 2017, in a wooded area off Rockhill Road in Wilmington, North Carolina. His body was discovered around 10 a.m., suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Earlier that same day, at approximately 3 a.m., Hicks-Bey was abducted during an armed robbery at a home located at 1516 S 12th Street in Wilmington. He was taken at gunpoint by two armed men who burst into the house and also took a woman's cellphone.
Hicks-Bey left behind two children.
The investigation revealed that Hicks-Bey was abducted from the Wilmington home hours before his body was found in the woods in Castle Hayne. A man attempting to block trail access to four-wheelers in the woods off Rockhill Road spotted Hicks-Bey's body lying near a swamp. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Hicks-Bey had been shot multiple times.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects identified in connection with Hicks-Bey's murder. The case remains unsolved, and Crime Stoppers of the Lower Cape Fear is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the death of Hicks-Bey. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or submit a tip online. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to seek leads to bring justice for Melquan Hicks-Bey and his family.
