On October 7, 2023, 67-year-old Howard Samuel Baccus was fatally shot in Shelby, North Carolina. The Shelby Police Department responded to the incident and initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the shooting.
As of December 2024, there have been no public reports indicating that a suspect has been identified or arrested in connection with Baccus's death. The case remains open, and authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid in their investigation.
Prior to his death, Baccus had a history of legal issues. In August 2021, he was arrested in Cleveland County, North Carolina, on charges of assault on a female. Additionally, in September 2023, he was booked for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. These incidents highlight a pattern of violent behavior leading up to his death.
Despite his legal troubles, Baccus was remembered by his family as a dedicated father and grandfather. Born on July 4, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio, he moved to Cleveland County, North Carolina, during his childhood. He married his former wife, Emma, in 1980, and they had three children together. Baccus worked as a general contractor and skilled tradesman, with passions that included cooking, music, and spending time with his grandchildren.
The community continues to mourn his loss, and the Shelby Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the case to come forward to assist in bringing closure to Baccus's family.
