A former North Carolina police lieutenant who allegedly told a dying motorcyclist "that's what you get" after shooting him has been sentenced to eight to 10 years in prison. Carlos Alverto Uribe, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder for the killing of 21-year-old Camden Childers, who was shot after crashing his motorcycle at the end of a high-speed chase.
Background
The incident occurred late on the night of June 26, 2025, beginning with a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 70. Officers attempted to pull Childers over for violations including failure to display a registration plate, speeding, and reckless driving. Instead of stopping, Childers fled, leading to a series of high-speed pursuits. The chase concluded on a cul-de-sac on Northern Drive NW in Conover, where Childers’ motorcycle collided with a patrol vehicle.
Prosecutors stated that by the time of the crash, Childers posed little to no threat to the officers present. Following the collision, a brief physical altercation ensued. Body-worn camera footage reviewed by investigators showed Childers raising his hands in response to commands from an officer other than Uribe. Uribe then allegedly kicked Childers in the abdomen, knocking him down, and fired a single bullet into his chest while the victim’s hands remained raised and empty.
The Charges
Uribe was charged with second-degree murder after Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly reviewed the case. Reilly noted that while he had reviewed 15 similar incidents where police use of force was deemed legally justified, this case involved excessive and unlawful force resulting in the loss of life. Uribe pleaded guilty in June 2026, avoiding a jury trial. During sentencing, the defense argued for extraordinary mitigation to avoid active imprisonment, citing expert testimony. However, the state countered by presenting the body-worn camera footage and Uribe’s statements to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Uribe, a former Newton Police Department lieutenant, was sentenced to eight to 10 years in prison.
- The victim, Camden Childers, was 21 years old and was shot after crashing his motorcycle at the end of a chase.
- Prosecutors stated Childers had his hands raised and empty when Uribe kicked him and fired the fatal shot.
- Uribe allegedly said, "That's what you get for going for an officer's gun," though body-cam footage did not support the claim that Childers reached for a weapon.
- Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly emphasized that fleeing law enforcement does not justify the use of deadly force.
- Henderson County Superior Court Judge Athena F. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing.
What's Next
Uribe will begin serving his sentence in the Tar Heel State prison system. The case serves as a significant precedent in North Carolina regarding the use of deadly force against fleeing suspects who are incapacitated or compliant. No further appeals have been announced at this time.
Editorial Analysis
This case highlights the critical role of body-worn camera evidence in holding law enforcement accountable. Despite the defense's attempt to frame the shooting as a reaction to a threat, the video evidence contradicted the officer's narrative, leading to a guilty plea and a substantial prison term.