Amir Hinnant: Three suspects charged with concealing death as body of missing North Carolina teen found
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion is advised.
MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE: In a significant breakthrough, authorities have arrested three individuals in Morristown and charged them with concealing the death after they discovered the body of North Carolina teen Amir Hinnant, 18, who was reported missing on February 24 from North Carolina.
The grim discovery was made on March 4, 2024, when Hinnant's body was found in a remote area off North Carolina 481 outside Enfield, Halifax County.
The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, along with several collaborating agencies, identified the vehicle used in the crime, just two days after discovering Hinnant's body. The suspects were later identified as Jose Bautista, Makaleigh Vick, and Michael Proctor.
Two suspects allegedly attempted to cross states to avoid arrest
Fleeing to Tennessee in an attempt to avoid capture, Bautista and Vick were located in Morristown and taken into custody without incident on Friday. They have since been transported back to central North Carolina to face charges.
The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the “initial investigation indicates that Mr Hinnant’s death occurred at another location before being disposed in rural Halifax County.”
Suspects face charges across counties
All three suspects are facing charges of concealment of death in both Edgecombe and Halifax counties. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from Edgecombe County, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, US Marshals, and Morristown Police (Tennessee) played a crucial role in locating and apprehending the suspects.
“Cases like this one show the importance of strong relationships with neighboring agencies,” stated Edgecombe County Sheriff Atkinson, according to WVLT.
While the suspects are in custody, it remains unclear if any additional charges will be filed in connection to the case. Furthermore, details regarding the circumstances of Hinnant's death have not been released to the public.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case or those involved to contact Sgt Johnson at 252-641-7809, as the investigation continues to unfold.
