Ronnie Dale Hoots, 61, of Salisbury, North Carolina, was found dead inside his home on Wildwood Road on May 20, 2022, after deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim. Investigators say Hoots had been shot twice and died at the scene.

Authorities identified 60-year-old Erick Brown of Granite Quarry as the suspect. Detectives say Brown went to Hoots’ residence to confront him over issues that arose earlier that day; the disagreement allegedly escalated and Brown shot Hoots. Brown was arrested at his home without incident and a 9mm Hi-Point pistol believed to be the weapon was recovered during a search. He was charged with murder and held in the Rowan County Detention Center without bond, with an initial court appearance set for May 23, 2022.

Is there anyone who knew Hoots or who saw him or Brown in Salisbury or Granite Quarry on May 20 who can share information?