Homicide Investigation in the North Division

Published on May 24, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, May 24, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Missing Person’s Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the North Division.

On May 5, 2024, Michael Olarte, 32, was found deceased in the Independence Division due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Shortly after Mr. Olarte was located deceased, the family of Samuel Haugh, 21, reported him missing.  The family reported Mr. Haugh was in a new relationship with Michael Olarte.

The CMPD’s Missing Persons Unit began an exhaustive search for Samuel Haugh. Their investigation has revealed that on April 29, 2024, Mr. Olarte harmed Mr. Haugh and disposed of his body. 

On May 21, 2024, the Missing Persons Unit’s investigation took them to a wooded area off River Circle in the North Division, where they located human remains. CMPD’s Homicide Unit responded to investigate, and the remains were transported to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office. 

On May 24, 2024, the remains were positively identified as those belonging to Mr. Haugh.  The N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office determined Samuel Haugh died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide.

Based on the exhaustive investigation conducted by the Missing Person’s Unit, Mr. Olarte, who is deceased, is identified as the suspect involved in Mr. Haugh’s homicide. 

The victim’s family has been notified of his location and death.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Detective Guillet is the lead detective assigned to this case. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240505-1252-01 & 20240505-1500-01.

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