Hickory Man Arrested for July 4 Motel Murder

James David Houser, 30, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Mary Elizabeth Ervin, 30, following a deadly shooting at the Deluxe Inn in Hickory on July 4. Ervin, a mother of four, was found unresponsive in a motel room with a fatal gunshot wound, and Houser is currently held without bond at the Catawba County Detention Facility. The Hickory Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is seeking public assistance for any additional information. Investigator Peacock can be contacted by phone or email for tips related to the case. The community remains shocked by the violent event, and authorities urge anyone with relevant details to come forward.