Hiddenite Man Charged With Murder Of Grandmother

On Tuesday, October 13, Jeffrey Michael Minton, age 34, of Hiddenite, came to the Alexander County Detention Center lobby. Minton voluntarily informed officers on duty that he had killed his grandmother.

Deputies immediately responded to the residence located at 65 Open Way Drive in Hiddenite. Upon entering the home, Deputies discovered the victim, identified as Shirleen Prichard, age 78, deceased.

Jeffrey Michael Minton was taken into custody without incident and formally charged with First Degree Murder. He is currently being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under no bond.

Minton’s first scheduled appearance in the Alexander County District Court is set for Monday, October 19, 2026.

This case is still under further investigation.