Philip Eugene McLean, a 45-year-old man from Hickory, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2015. Born on June 29, 1970, in Catawba County, he was the son of Patrick "Doc" McLean and the late Sue Spencer McLean. Philip, affectionately known as "Scooter Man," was the proud owner of Import Power Store. He was survived by his father, his newlywed wife Desiree McLean and their unborn child, one son, Philip E.
McLean Jr., one daughter Michala McLean, two sisters Mitzi Beaver and Patricia Tyger, one brother Tim McLean, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Philip Eugene McLean's death was the result of a tragic shooting incident. On the day of his death, witnesses reported seeing McLean and another man, Lakeith Marshaun Lawrence, come into contact and engage in a verbal confrontation. During the altercation, Lawrence, a 24-year-old man, took out a gun and shot McLean in the back of the head. Witnesses saw Lawrence flee the area on foot after the gunshot. A forensic download of McLean's cellular phone revealed a video that showed the defendant and recorded the gunshot before McLean fell to the ground.
Lakeith Marshaun Lawrence was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Lawrence had a prior conviction for attempted common law robbery in May 2013 in Catawba County. During the trial, Lawrence pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to an active prison term of 18 to 23 years by Superior Court Judge Nathaniel J. Poovey. The possession of a firearm by a felon charge stemmed from Lawrence's previous conviction. The investigation was led by Kim Craig of the Hickory Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by Michelle Lippert and Melanie Earles for the District Attorney's Office.
In the aftermath of the incident, District Attorney David Learner announced that the State would not pursue capital punishment in the murder case against Lawrence. This decision meant that Lawrence would not face the death penalty for the shooting death of Philip Eugene McLean. The case highlighted the importance of forensic evidence, as the video on McLean's phone played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
