Homicide on Stewart Court
Update on April 21, 2024 Homicide on Stewart Court
Statesville, NC - June 28, 2024 - The Statesville Police Department has made significant progress in the investigation of the April 21, 2024, homicide that occurred on Stewart Court.
On Sunday, April 21, 2024, at approximately 12:25 A.M., the Statesville Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim at a residence in the 600 block of Stewart Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered Richard Wayne Pledger, 52, of Statesville, inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders from Iredell County EMS and the Statesville Fire Department, Pledger was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Statesville Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigations Division immediately initiated an investigation into the homicide. Through detailed investigative work, the Violent Crimes Unit identified a suspect, Devin Emanuel Rankin, 30 years old, of Statesville.
After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained warrants for Devin Emanuel Rankin on charges of First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Discharging a Firearm within City Limits.
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force, Iredell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Statesville Police Department successfully apprehended Devin Rankin at a residence on N. Lackey Street in Statesville. Rankin was taken before a magistrate and placed in the Iredell County Jail with no bond due to the severity of the charges.
The Statesville Police Department extends its gratitude to the U.S. Marshals CRFTF, Iredell County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the District Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership and support in this case.
Statesville Police Department Investigating Fatal Shooting on Stewart Court
Statesville, NC - April 21, 2024 - On Sunday, April 21, 2024, at approximately 12:25 A.M., the Statesville Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim at a residence in the 600 block of Stewart Court.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Richard Pledger, 52, of Statesville, inside the residence with a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of emergency responders from Iredell County EMS and the Statesville Fire Department, Pledger was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Statesville Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigations Division are actively investigating the incident. At this time, no further details are available.
The Statesville Police Department encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the Statesville Police Department at 704-878-3406.
About the City of Statesville
The City of Statesville is truly a diverse community that welcomes new people, new voices and ideas, new industry, and business. We have already made significant investments in our downtown amenities, our business sector, our schools, our infrastructure, and more is on the horizon. We are creating a dynamic future for ourselves as we build on our successful history and the positive energy we experience today, all the while incorporating the values and quality of life that we cherish. To learn more visit www.statesvillenc.net.
