Off-duty Cleveland County deputy charged with first-degree murder after deadly domestic incident

Deputy Mitchel Hilton has been charged with first-degree murder following what the sheriff’s office is calling a “tragic domestic violence incident” on Thursday night in Shelby.

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal shooting happened at the Crown Ridge Apartments on South Dekalb Street. Shelby Police were the first to respond, but the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has since taken over the case.

The sheriff’s office said it is “fully cooperating” with the SBI and offered condolences to those affected. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time,” Friday’s statement said.

According to court records, Hilton was transferred from Cleveland County to the Lincoln County Jail early Friday morning. He was booked at 5:28 a.m. and remains in custody.

The NC SBI confirmed with Queen City News that Hilton is officially charged with first-degree murder. The identity of the victim has not yet been publicly released.