Police: Son charged after father found dead

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A father is dead and his son is accused of killing him on Phenix Street in Kings Mountain.

Police arrested Robert Lovette, 38, and charged him with first-degree murder. Police said they found Donald Lovette's body after they were called to the house to check on his well-being.

Family members became suspicious Saturday. They told Eyewitness News that Robert Lovette would not let them in to see Donald Lovette. They said they were worried and called police to check on Donald Lovette's well-being. Investigators say Robert Lovette wouldn't let them in either.

"When they got there he wouldn't open the door," neighbor Melinda Roberts said. "So they busted down the door, and they got in there and got him."

Police say they found Donald Lovette's body inside the home. Family members said he was beaten to death and Robert Lovette had stayed in the home with the body. Police took Robert Lovette into custody Saturday night and charged him with first-degree murder. He's being held without bail.

The family said he's on suicide watch.

Police would not say what the murder weapon was, but did say the incident all stemmed from some type of domestic dispute.

Family members said Robert Lovette has a drug problem, but police haven't confirmed whether that played a role in his father's murder.

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WSOC