Court declares Ricky Lam case capital in Davidson County

Prosecutors can now seek death penalty in murder case

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A court in Davidson County, North Carolina has officially designated the murder case against Ricky Lam as a capital case, meaning prosecutors can now seek the death penalty. Lam, 31, faces first-degree murder charges in both Davidson and Guilford counties for the disappearance of Nancy Bunly and the death of Amber Schimmelpfenning.

Why it matters

This designation allows prosecutors in Davidson County to potentially pursue the death penalty against Lam, who is accused of two brutal murders. The case highlights the gravity of the charges and the high stakes involved, as well as the complex legal process in capital murder cases.

The details

In Davidson County, Lam is charged in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Bunly, who vanished from Lexington on September 22, 2024. Three months later, three of Lam's relatives were arrested on obstruction charges related to Bunly's case, though Lam was not charged at the time. On October 2, 2025, investigators formally charged Lam with first-degree murder in Bunly's case. In Guilford County, Lam faces first-degree murder charges for the death of 36-year-old Amber Schimmelpfenning, who was last seen on September 9, 2025. Investigators later discovered Amber's vehicle and recovered human remains believed to be hers.

  • On September 22, 2024, Nancy Bunly disappeared from Lexington.
  • In December 2024, three of Lam's relatives were arrested on obstruction charges related to Bunly's case.
  • On October 2, 2025, Lam was formally charged with first-degree murder in Bunly's case.
  • On September 9, 2025, Amber Schimmelpfenning was last seen.
  • On September 14, 2025, Lam was served with first-degree murder warrants in connection with Amber's death.

The players

Ricky Lam

A 31-year-old man facing first-degree murder charges in both Davidson and Guilford counties.

Nancy Bunly

A woman who disappeared from Lexington, North Carolina on September 22, 2024 and has not been found.

Amber Schimmelpfenning

A 36-year-old woman who was last seen on September 9, 2025 and whose remains were later discovered.

Van Lam, Vienchan Lam, and Jonathan Lam

Three of Ricky Lam's relatives who were arrested on obstruction charges related to Nancy Bunly's disappearance.

Leslie Andrew Greene and Sunshine Hall

Two individuals arrested on charges related to the concealment of death and accessory after the fact in Amber Schimmelpfenning's case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.