Conover Woman Enters Plea In Hickory Murder Case

A guilty plea was entered in a case involving the death of a Lenoir-Rhyne University football player in 2021. 19-year-old Omari Drovon Alexander was killed in the incident. According to published reports, 21-year-old Hailee Maureen Melanson pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder as part of an agreement with the prosecution. The plea was entered Monday (April 17) in Catawba County Superior Court. Melanson agreed to testify against Quavius Shamond Izard if she is called by the state. Izard is charged with murder in connection to Alexander’s death.

Melanson was sentenced to a minimum of 73 months and a maximum of 100 months, or six years, one month to eight years, four months in prison. According to Hickory Police, Omari Alexander was found in a running vehicle at Civitan Court Apartments early the morning of Saturday, November 20. Police reports say Alexander was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Melanson was arrested on November 20, 2021. Izard was arrested on November 25, 2021. He remained in the Catawba County Detention Facility as of earlier today (April 18). He’s charged with first-degree murder, felony probation violation, felony possession of schedule I controlled substance along with misdemeanor counts of simple possession of schedule IV controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, and resisting a public officer.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY