On November 4, 2023, at approximately 8:25 p.m., the Troutman Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near the 200 block of Mills Avenue in Troutman, North Carolina. Upon arrival, officers found 18-year-old Alexander Jeffrey Hipple of Mooresville and 20-year-old Zachary Craig of Charlotte, both suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. Craig managed to drive them to a nearby Food Lion on North Main Street to seek help. Emergency responders pronounced Hipple dead at the scene, while Craig was transported to a regional medical center, treated for his injuries, and subsequently released.
Investigations revealed that Hipple and Craig had arranged to meet two individuals in the parking lot of 204 Mills Avenue for a marijuana sale. During the encounter, the suspects allegedly brandished firearms and demanded the drugs. As Hipple and Craig attempted to flee, the suspects opened fire, striking Hipple three times and Craig once.
Authorities identified the suspects as a 17-year-old male and 19-year-old James Richard Gann of Cornelius. The juvenile suspect was arrested on November 7, 2023, and is being held in a juvenile detention center, with plans to try him as an adult. Gann initially evaded capture, prompting a search that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. He later surrendered to the Iredell County Jail on November 16, 2023. Both suspects face charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, discharging a firearm into occupied property resulting in injury, and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Born on August 3, 2005, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alexander "Alex" Jeffrey Hipple was a 2023 graduate of the Community School of Davidson. He was known for his intelligence, athleticism, artistic talents, and devotion to friends and family. Alex excelled in swimming, enjoyed fishing with his father, and had a passion for sports cars and travel. At the time of his passing, he was taking a gap year before starting college and was employed full-time at McDonald's.
A visitation was held on November 17, 2023, at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, followed by a memorial service on November 18, 2023, at Lake Forest Church. The Hipple family expressed gratitude for the support and kindness shown during this unimaginably difficult time. In lieu of flowers, they requested donations to a scholarship established in Alex's memory.
The tragic death of Alexander Hipple has deeply affected the Troutman and Mooresville communities, highlighting the dangers associated with illicit activities and the devastating impact of gun violence. As legal proceedings against the suspects continue, the community seeks justice and mourns the loss of a promising young individual whose life was abruptly ended.
