CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have finished an investigation into two deaths in Charlotte that they say involved a man killing his own boyfriend before turning the gun on himself.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the investigation started on May 5, 2024, when 32-year-old Michael Olarte was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shortly after, the family of 21-year-old Samuel Haugh filed a missing persons report. Haugh was noted as Olarte's new boyfriend, with Haugh's family saying the relationship had recently started.
An investigation revealed that Olarte had shot and killed Haugh on April 29, 2024, and disposed of Haugh's body. Haugh's remains wouldn't be found until May 21, in a wooded area off River Circle on the north side of the city.
After his identity was confirmed Friday, CMPD said Haugh's death was deemed a homicide with Olarte as the suspect. Haugh's family was informed of his death and where he was found.
While Haugh's remains have been found and identified, CMPD said it's still investigating and will share more information as it's made available.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.