Union County, N.C. — Authorities have arrested six individuals connected to a brutal assault and kidnapping that left a man severely injured and abandoned in frigid conditions last month. The victim was discovered on Hayes Road in Indian Trail, his hands bound behind him and stripped of his clothing.
Responding to a distress call, deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Office found the man suffering from extensive injuries. Investigators reported he had been violently attacked by multiple assailants, who allegedly struck him with a firearm before forcing him into a car’s trunk. Subsequently, he was discarded along a desolate road, where he managed to signal help from a passing motorist, prompting a 911 call.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspects are believed to be members of a gang who gathered for a party at an Airbnb in nearby Weddington on the night of the incident. Detectives have confirmed that none of the suspects reside in Union County.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey expressed gratitude for the efforts of his team in identifying the suspects involved. “This was an especially violent and senseless crime, and I commend our detectives and support personnel for their dedication in seeking justice for the victim,” Cathey said. He reassured the community of their ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and vowed to pursue all responsible parties.
Among those arrested is Jamaal Holley, facing charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping. He is currently held under a $1 million bond. Jackie Brown Jr. and Kenijae Howard were both charged with assault as well; Brown’s bond is set at $150,000, while Howard, who has been released on a $35,000 bond, is no longer in custody.
Martell Johnson, also charged with assault, remains incarcerated in South Carolina, where he awaits extradition to North Carolina. The sheriff’s office is still searching for two suspects, Natselane Mattison and Jamari Grady, who are both charged with similar offenses.
This investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the case, or the whereabouts of the two remaining suspects, to contact the sheriff’s office at 704-283-3789 or to call 911. The community’s vigilance remains crucial as officials continue their efforts to secure justice for the victim and hold all perpetrators accountable.