LINCOLNTON, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.
More than a week after a 16-year-old boy was found dead along a road near Lincolnton, deputies say they’ve identified three suspects, two of whom are in custody.
Lincolnton County Sheriff Bill Beam made the announcement on Friday, Dec. 27, while also sharing new details about the death of Edwin Morales. The three suspects were identified as:
- Michael Dujuan Byrd, 20, of Kings Mountain
- Isaiah Dashawn Lipscomb, 17, of Clover, S.C.
- Larue Dean Lipscomb Jr., 25, of Gastonia
All three are charged with one count each of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. Byrd is in custody at the Lincoln County jail under no bond. Isaiah Lipscomb is being held under no bond in the York County jail and awaits extradition to Lincoln County.
As of publication, Larue Lipscomb Jr. has not been arrested. A mugshot for Byrd was available, while one for Isaiah Lipscomb wasn’t. A photo of Larue Lipscomb Jr. has also not been shared.
The sheriff’s office said Morales was reportedly taken from outside of his home, robbed of his personal items, and then shot and left on the side of Whitehouse Road on Dec. 15th. Detectives kept working on the investigation and were able to secure warrants for the three suspects based on tips and other information.
The sheriff’s office thanked law enforcement partners for their help in arresting the first two suspects.
Morales’ mother opened up about her son’s death to WCNC Charlotte. Yuridia Morales and her family set up a mural to help remember him and mourn his death.
“We pray that his soul can live in peace,” she said at the time.
Yuridia Morales said her son told her he was headed out for a walk on the day he was killed. He was found dead about a mile from his home. She said she grew concerned when Edwin Morales didn’t answer his phone. Her calls then went straight to voicemail, prompting her to call the police to file a missing persons report.
“He had a lot of friends, a lot of people that loved him,” she said. “He is going to be missed.”
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.Â
