PIEDMONT TRIAD, N.C. (WGHP) — The body of a missing mother of three in North Carolina has been found, her father confirmed to NewsNation local affiliate WGHP.
Amber Marie Schimmelpfenning, 36, was last seen on Sept. 9 at around 12 a.m. local time. Detectives were not able to find her, and the case escalated into a missing person/homicide investigation.
Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of domestic violence. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, you can find resources and discreet ways to get help on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or by calling 1-800-799-7233.
On Sept. 9, authorities responded after being notified of “suspicious activity” in Guilford County. Following multiple interviews and a search of the area, deputies found the crime scene and collected evidence.
On Sept. 14, 40-year-old Ricky Lam was charged with murder in connection with Schimmelpfenning‘s disappearance. He was also charged with concealing/failing to report a death and possessing a firearm as a felon.
Lam was in custody in Davidson County at the time on unrelated charges.
Amber Schimmelpfenning’s family speaks
Darwin Schimmelpfenning describes his daughter as a mother devoted to her three sons, ages 8, 11 and 14.
“She’s a very strong-willed, independent lady. She’s not afraid of anything. She usually doesn’t get herself into positions where she can’t get out,” Darwin said.
Her father first learned she was missing when he got a call from her boyfriend last Tuesday, who was worried when she didn’t come home.
The same day, around midnight, deputies were called to Blackberry Ridge Drive after a call reporting suspicious activity. Schimmelpfenning’s father said she went there for her car to be repaired.
This week, the sheriff’s office identified Ricky Lam as a suspect, and, now, Lam is charged with first-degree murder.
“Ricky did it, and they obviously have evidence, or they wouldn’t have locked him up for it. What that evidence is, I don’t know, but I don’t care. Just make sure you prosecute him,” Darwin said.
Schimmelpfenning’s father said Lam was no stranger. He was an acquaintance, who Darwin said occasionally helped her as a handyman.
“She’s usually a fairly good judge of character,” Darwin said.
In April 2025, Lam was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and assault after court documents say he slapped a 14-year-old in the face, leaving a busted lip.
Schimmelpfenning’s father said that the child was her son. Her father said that after that incident, she wanted nothing to do with Lam.
“He would threaten her on the phone,” Darwin said. “I just never knew anybody that was that violent, that would act on something like that. “
Schimmelpfenning’s family said the case feels far too familiar.
They pointed to Lam being considered a person of interest in the disappearance of Nancy Bunly, who disappeared nearly one year ago in Davidson County.
“It was almost déjà vu when this happened. It was almost like the same circumstances,” Darwin said.
Suspect tied to another disappearance
Monday marked one year since Nancy Bunly was last seen in the Abbotts Creek area of Davidson County. She was 31 at the time of her disappearance.
Officials with the Lexington Police Department confirmed on Thursday that Ricky Lam was dating Bunly when she disappeared and he’s considered a “person of interest” in her disappearance. The two have a daughter together who is being cared for by Bunly’s mother.
In December, three members of Lam’s family were charged with obstruction of justice in connection with Bunly’s disappearance, with charging documents alleging that the three people lied about where they were when Bunly disappeared.
