NEWTON, N.C. — The community of Newton is grappling with shock and unrest following the release of Newton Police Lieutenant Carlos Alverto Uribe, 28, who posted a $100,000 bond after being formally charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Camden Skyler Childers. The incident, which occurred during a police chase on June 26, 2025, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
Lieutenant Uribe was arrested on Monday, July 21, following an indictment by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The Catawba County judge set bond on Tuesday, July 22, during a hearing where prosecutors revealed troubling new details, including the existence of body camera and dashcam footage capturing the fatal encounter.
According to authorities, the tragic sequence of events began with a routine traffic stop attempt on Childers’ motorcycle for alleged violations including speeding, reckless driving, and failure to display a license plate near the 700 block of U.S. Highway 70. Childers fled, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that was called off twice before concluding in Conover, where a collision occurred between Childers’ motorcycle and Uribe’s patrol vehicle.
Prosecutors allege that after the crash, Childers attempted to surrender, raising his hands in the air. Video evidence reportedly shows Uribe kicking Childers before firing a single, fatal shot. Disturbingly, Uribe is heard on video saying, “That’s what you get for going for an officer’s gun,” despite the investigation finding no evidence that Childers reached for any weapon.
Despite immediate life-saving attempts by officers and EMS, Childers was pronounced dead at Catawba Valley Medical Center. The SBI investigation concluded that deadly force was not legally justified, leading to Uribe’s indictment on murder charges. He has since been placed on administrative leave without pay, and an internal investigation remains ongoing.
During the bond hearing, prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in police conduct that evening, including three separate chases, with officers disengaging pursuit twice prior to the fatal incident. District Attorney Scott Reilly emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting this marks the first time in his six-year tenure that an officer has been charged following a fatal use-of-force review among approximately 15 prior cases.
The Newton Police Department has refrained from commenting further, citing the ongoing legal process, while public attention now turns to the upcoming court proceedings. The case has reignited broader conversations on law enforcement accountability, transparency, and the use of force.
As the legal process unfolds, the family of Camden Childers, along with the Newton community, are left seeking answers and justice for a life tragically cut short.
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