In April 2024, 21-year-old Samuel R. Haugh, originally from York County, Pennsylvania, relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to live with his new boyfriend, 32-year-old Michael Olarte, whom he had met online. Tragically, their relationship ended in violence. On April 29, 2024, Olarte fatally shot Haugh and disposed of his body in a wooded area off River Circle in northwest Charlotte.
Haugh's family reported him missing on May 5, 2024, the same day authorities discovered Olarte deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Independence Division of Charlotte. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) launched an exhaustive search for Haugh, leading to the discovery of human remains on May 21, 2024. These remains were later confirmed to be Haugh's, with the medical examiner determining the cause of death as a gunshot wound, ruling it a homicide.
Investigations revealed that Olarte had a history of violent behavior. Years prior, he was accused of stabbing an individual over ten times. Haugh's father, Martin, expressed concerns that his son might have been manipulated and taken advantage of by Olarte, citing unexplained credit card charges and the loss of his son's possessions. He emphasized the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, even for adult children, to prevent such tragedies.
Haugh's mother, Jennifer, highlighted the need for awareness regarding domestic violence in all types of relationships. She noted that controlling behavior early in a relationship should be considered a serious red flag. The family, grieving the loss of their son, held a Celebration of Life Tribute Service on June 30, 2024, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, to honor his memory.
