A former Newton Police Department lieutenant will spend eight to 10 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree murder during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Carlos Alverto Uribe, 29, of Conover, was given the active prison term by the Honorable Athena F. Brooks, Superior Court Judge from Henderson County, after he entered a guilty plea in connection with the June 26, 2025, shooting death of 21-year-old Camden Childers after a motorcycle chase.
Uribe entered a guilty plea to the charge on June 4, 2026, but sentencing was deferred at that time. Judge Brooks imposed the active prison term on Wednesday after hearing evidence presentation by the defense and state over a period of a day and a half.
The defendant will serve his period of incarceration in custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.
The defense offered testimony from several expert witnesses in an attempt to prove extraordinary mitigation, which could have permitted a sentence other than active imprisonment.
The prosecution countered by showing the body camera footage of the fatal incident along with the defendant’s statement to agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
“This was a difficult and deeply troubling case. Although the victim fled from law enforcement, that conduct did not justify the use of deadly force or diminish the value of the victim’s life,” Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly said. “Our office strongly opposed the defense’s request for extraordinary mitigation, and we agree with the Court’s decision that an active prison sentence was required. We respect the Court’s decision and the rule of law.”
Uribe was charged with murder after the NCSBI investigation determined that he kicked and shot Childers after he surrendered and was no longer deemed a threat on the night of the incident.
Investigation of the case showed that Childers had led law enforcement in other jurisdictions on two chases prior to Newton police officers engaging in an attempt to stop him.
Childers rode his bike into a cul-de-sac near Wal Mart in Conover and reached a point where he no longer could get away from officers. Uribe pulled his patrol car into a position that made contact with the motorcycle, knocking it and its rider to the ground.
Uribe’s body camera footage captures the officer telling the victim to get on the ground, and Childers clearly has his hands up in surrender.
The footage shows that Uribe approached Childers then kicked him in the stomach. A gunshot is heard, and Childers says, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! He shot me! He shot me! He shot me! He shot me!”
Uribe is heard on the body camera footage saying, “You don’t go for somebody’s gun … .”
The video shows no evidence that Childers had a gun or made an attempt to get a gun.
Childers was taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The autopsy findings showed that he died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the upper left chest.
“Law enforcement officers perform an exceptionally difficult and dangerous job, and deserve the support of our community,” DA Reilly said. “However, the significant authority entrusted to an officer carries an equally significant duty to exercise that authority lawfully. No individual is above the law, and meaningful accountability is essential when an unjustified use of force results in the loss of life.
“We hope that today’ sentencing provides some measure of accountability for the victim’s family and reinforces the public’s trust that these cases will be evaluated fairly, independently and according to the law.”
Emily Prewitt and Josh Hawks handled the investigation for the NCSBI. Assistant District Attorney Kyle Smith prosecuted the matter for the State with aid from Legal Assistant Amy Bishoff.
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Background: June 26, 2025, Motorcycle Pursuit
According to prosecutors, Childers had been involved in two separate police pursuits in other jurisdictions before officers with the Newton Police Department attempted to stop him.
The pursuit eventually reached a cul-de-sac near a Walmart in Conover, North Carolina, where Childers was unable to continue fleeing.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Uribe positioned his patrol vehicle in a manner that resulted in contact with Childers’ motorcycle, causing the motorcycle and its rider to fall to the ground.
Prosecutors reported that Uribe subsequently exited his patrol vehicle and approached Childers.
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Body Camera Footage and Shooting Investigation
The District Attorney’s Office described body-worn camera footage showing Childers with his hands raised after the motorcycle came to rest.
According to prosecutors, Uribe ordered Childers to get on the ground before approaching him and kicking him in the stomach.
A gunshot was then heard on the recording.
Childers could subsequently be heard repeatedly apologizing and stating that he had been shot.
Uribe was also recorded making a statement suggesting that Childers had attempted to reach for an officer’s firearm.
However, prosecutors stated that the video evidence did not show Childers possessing a firearm or attempting to obtain one.
The NCSBI investigation determined that Childers had surrendered and was no longer considered a threat when Uribe used deadly force.
Childers was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy determined that Childers died from a single gunshot wound to the upper left chest.
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Criminal Investigation and Murder Charge
Following the shooting, the NCSBI conducted an investigation that included reviewing body-worn camera footage, patrol vehicle camera recordings, witness interviews and other investigative materials.
On July 21, 2025, a Catawba County grand jury returned an indictment charging Uribe with second-degree murder.
District Attorney Scott Reilly announced that his office had concluded the use of deadly force was not legally justified.
Uribe subsequently entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder on June 4, 2026.
Sentencing was deferred to allow the court to consider additional evidence and arguments from the prosecution and defense.
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Sentencing Hearing and Defense Arguments
During the sentencing proceedings, which lasted approximately a day and a half, Uribe’s defense presented testimony from multiple expert witnesses in support of a request for extraordinary mitigation.
Under North Carolina sentencing procedures, extraordinary mitigation may permit a court to consider a punishment that differs from the otherwise applicable active prison sentence when statutory requirements are satisfied.
The prosecution opposed that request.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors presented footage of the fatal encounter and Uribe’s subsequent statement to NCSBI investigators.
Following consideration of the evidence and arguments, Judge Brooks imposed an active prison sentence of approximately eight to 10 years.
Uribe was ordered to serve the sentence in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction.
District Attorney Responds to Sentencing
Following the sentencing, District Attorney Scott Reilly issued a statement addressing the shooting and the court’s decision.
Reilly characterized the case as difficult and troubling, emphasizing that Childers’ decision to flee police did not independently justify the use of deadly force.
The district attorney also stated that his office had opposed the defense’s request for extraordinary mitigation and supported the imposition of an active prison sentence.
Reilly emphasized that officers exercise significant legal authority and must remain accountable when their actions violate the law.
He expressed hope that the sentencing would provide a measure of accountability for Childers’ family and reinforce confidence in the independent review of officer-involved shootings.
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Investigative and Prosecutorial Personnel
The criminal investigation was conducted by NCSBI investigators Emily Prewitt and Josh Hawks.
Assistant District Attorney Kyle Smith prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of North Carolina, with assistance from Legal Assistant Amy Bishoff.
Case Timeline
- June 26, 2025: Camden Childers was fatally shot following a motorcycle pursuit in Catawba County.
- July 21, 2025: A Catawba County grand jury indicted Carlos Uribe for second-degree murder.
- June 4, 2026: Uribe pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
- September 9, 2026: Uribe received an active prison sentence of approximately eight to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criminal charge resulted in Carlos Uribe’s conviction?
Uribe pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the June 26, 2025, shooting death of Camden Childers.
Was Camden Childers armed during the shooting?
According to the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, the available body camera footage did not show Childers possessing a firearm or attempting to obtain one. Prosecutors stated that he had surrendered before the shooting.
What evidence was considered during sentencing?
The court considered testimony from defense witnesses, body camera footage of the incident and Uribe’s statement to NCSBI investigators, among other evidence presented during the hearing.
Why did the defense request extraordinary mitigation?
Uribe’s defense sought a sentencing determination that could have allowed punishment other than active imprisonment. The prosecution opposed the request, and the court imposed a prison sentence.
Was Uribe convicted by a jury?
No. Uribe entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder on June 4, 2026. His conviction did not result from a jury trial.
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Current Status
As of November 11, 2026, the confirmed criminal case outcome is Uribe’s conviction for second-degree murder and the active prison sentence imposed on September 9, 2026.
Contemporaneous news reporting confirmed that Uribe was taken into custody following sentencing.
The available sources reviewed for this article do not establish whether any subsequent appellate proceedings, sentence modifications or related civil litigation have occurred.
Sources and Documentation
- Catawba County District Attorney’s Office: Former Police Officer Gets Prison Term of 8 To 10 Years — September 9, 2026.
- Catawba County District Attorney’s Office: Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder — June 4, 2026.
- Catawba County District Attorney’s Office: Grand Jury Returns Indictment For Officer’s Role In Shooting — July 22, 2025.
- WSOC-TV: Former Newton Lt. Carlos Uribe Sentenced to Prison for Killing Camden Childers — September 2026.
Cop Talk TRUTH reports on law enforcement incidents, criminal investigations, judicial proceedings and police accountability using documented information, official records and attributed reporting.
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