Lexington Man Faces Second Murder Charge in North Carolina Triad Within a Year
LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — A Davidson County man is facing his second murder charge in less than a year after authorities linked him to the disappearance and presumed death of his former girlfriend, Nancy Bunly.
New Murder Charge Filed
Ricky Lam appeared in Davidson County court Thursday, where he was read three new charges: first-degree murder, concealment of an unnatural death, and conspiracy to conceal a death.
Lam is accused of killing Bunly, who went missing on September 22, 2024. The couple shared a child together, and her family says her body has still not been found.
In court, Lam kept his head down and spoke softly as the charges were read. Seven officers from the Lexington Police Department and several of Bunly’s family members attended the hearing.
Facing Life in Prison or Death Penalty
Lam is being held without bond and could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted. His next court date is set for October 6.
The judge did not provide details of the evidence leading to the murder charge, but investigators previously served search warrants on Salisbury properties linked to Lam’s family.
Family Reacts
Bunly’s cousin, Davy Song-Koy, said the family has endured a year of anguish without answers.
“I think a lot of people in this town are just as invested in this case as much as we are,” she said. “So once justice is served, this big weight on our shoulders will be lifted off and we’ll be able to grieve and heal and find some peace.”
She described seeing Lam in court for the first time in over a year as “emotional and surreal,” adding, “It feels like a nightmare we keep hoping to wake up from.”
Second Murder Charge in a Year
This is the second murder case filed against Lam in the Triad within the past year. Last week, he appeared in Guilford County court facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Amber Schimmelpfenning, who disappeared on September 9, 2024. Her body was found last week.
Other Family Members Charged
Three of Lam’s relatives — Vienchan Lam, Van Lam, and Jonathan Lam — were also charged in connection with Bunly’s disappearance. They face counts of concealment, conspiracy, and accessory after the fact.
For Bunly’s family, the hope is that the mounting charges will finally bring answers and accountability.
Do you believe prosecutors should seek the death penalty against Ricky Lam in these cases, or would life in prison without parole be the better outcome? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.