Missing man found dead in Charlotte woods, victim of another who dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound: police

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A missing man found dead in northwest Charlotte was linked to another who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Police say the family of 21-year-old Samuel Haugh reported him missing earlier this month. The report was released after Michael Olarte, 32, was found dead in east Charlotte from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Haugh's family told police the two were in a new relationship.

Police said an investigation by CMPD's missing persons unit revealed that on April 29, Olarte injured Haugh and disposed of her body. On May 21, officers found remains in a wooded area off River Circle in the Mountain Island area.

The CMPD Homicide Unit responded to investigate and the remains were transported to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office.

On May 24, the remains were identified as those belonging to Haugh. The North Carolina medical examiner's office determined he died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide.

Officers say Olarte, who is deceased, is identified as the suspect in the case.

The victim's family has been informed of his whereabouts and death.

The investigation into this matter is active and ongoing.