A Hickory woman reported missing last Friday was found deceased inside a vehicle at the Conover Wal-Mart Monday evening.

Police reports say the death of 20-year-old Emily Morgan Childers was confirmed on Wednesday by the Conover Police Chief.

Investigators report Childers cause of death is pending; while awaiting autopsy results.

According to reports, Childers’ family reported her missing after not hearing from her for more than 24 hours.

She was reportedly an employee at the Wal-Mart in Conover.

Law enforcement officials are warning local citizens to be cautious of scams prompting them to send money or purchase gift cards.

McDowell County authorities report numerous citizens have recently reported they have been contacted by phone or through social media.

When contacted, the scammers advise the person to provide money, bank account numbers and/or numbers from gift cards they’re instructed to purchase.

Some of the scammers are telling people they will be provided with 50-thousand dollars or more for retirement, if they carry out their instructions.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office urge citizens not to send money, or give out personal information.

Anyone having questions or concerns if receiving such a call, can contact the McDowell Sheriff’s office at 652-2235.

An unoccupied home in Hickory sustained heavy damage in a fire early Wednesday morning.

Hickory Firefighters were called to the reported structure fire at 345 3^rd Street Southeast just before 1 o’clock to find the home engulfed in fire; with flames coming from the roof.

A news release states no one was living in the house because it was being remodeled.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

Police in Shelby say two brothers are allegedly responsible for shooting into a car wounding a teenager Sunday afternoon

22-year-old Shunquize Brown and his brother 18-year-old Kayden Byers were arrested Monday and charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and one count of misdemeanor child abuse.

According to police reports, the brothers had a 4-year-old child in the car with them at the time of the shooting.

One of the brothers reportedly went up to a car parked on Concord Street in Shelby and discharged multiple shots into the vehicle occupied by three teens.

19-year-old Ahric Lipscomb was struck several times and transported to a Charlotte hospital.

Brown and Byers are being held without bond.

Reports say Byers is also connected with another Shelby shooting in which a teenager was killed.

Officials are working to determine if the incidents are related.