Suspected Undocumented Immigrant Charged With Murder In Catawba County

ɴᴇᴡᴛᴏɴ, ɴ.ᴄ. – On Wednesday, October 29, at approximately 9:15 pm. Deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of someone engaging in disorderly conduct at a residence on Lucky Ln in Newton. When deputies arrived, they discovered the victim, Jose Figueroa, unconscious outside the residence.

Witnesses on the scene informed deputies that Figueroa had been assaulted by Roberto Hernandez Arreola. Deputies located Arreola nearby and took him into custody. Figueroa later died from his injuries at an area hospital.

Sheriff’s investigators have charged Arreola with Murder. He had his first appearance in Catawba County District Court where he was placed under no bond and confined to the Catawba County Detention Facility.

Arreola is believed to be an undocumented immigrant. Detention staff is in contact with Immigration Customs Enforcement.

Sheriff’s investigators are furthering this investigation to better discern the circumstances and motive connected with Figueroa’s death.