PITTSBORO, N.C. — A local man is set to spend decades behind bars after pleading guilty to murdering his wife and disposing of her body in Jordan Lake. Omar Matthew Ibrahim Drabick, 37, admitted to second-degree murder and concealing a death in the case involving 34-year-old Hadeel Ghadhanfer Hikmat, a situation that escalated from a domestic dispute to a tragic crime.
Drabick entered his plea in May 2026, bringing closure to a case that began with the discovery of Hikmat’s body by a boater on August 29, 2023. Initially charged with first-degree murder, Drabick reached a plea agreement that resulted in a sentence of 25 to 31 years for the murder charge and an additional six to nine years for concealing her death. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Marci Trageser highlighted the profound impact of the crime on Hikmat’s family, emphasizing the irreversible loss they have suffered. In a brief statement before sentencing, Drabick offered a remorseful apology, expressing, “From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry.”
The events leading to the murder unfolded on a seemingly ordinary night. Investigators pieced together the timeline through witness statements and physical evidence. After picking Hikmat up from her job at Walmart, Drabick and Hikmat went to a local diner before heading toward Jordan Lake. Prosecutors believe that after an argument, Hikmat was shot around 2:30 a.m. Her body was later found submerged in shallow water, prompting a swift investigation.
Authorities identified Hikmat through fingerprint analysis and ruled her death a homicide, later revealing the cause as a gunshot wound to her back. An autopsy indicated that the injury was severe enough to have resulted in her death before she was submerged, and additional bruising was noted on her body. Investigators also found significant forensic evidence, including blood, shell casings, and jewelry, which pointed toward a violent incident away from the lake.
Drabick’s contradictory account to a friend about Hikmat’s disappearance further undermined his claims. He suggested that after their dinner, Hikmat left with another man, a story that did not align with the evidence. Phone records and forensic findings eventually directed investigators back to Drabick, revealing his culpability in the crime.
The relationship dynamics presented in the case painted a troubling picture. Family members had arranged the marriage, and it appeared that Drabick had grown discontent with his life alongside Hikmat, even expressing wishes for her to leave him for someone wealthier. Investigators found that Drabick had recently purchased the firearm used in the killing, further complicating the narrative of an accidental or impulsive act.
The tragedy resonated deeply with Hikmat’s family, particularly her brother, who called for justice after her death. He connected her story to a broader issue of domestic violence, emphasizing the anguish that ripples through families facing such tragedies. Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson echoed these sentiments, recognizing the case as a reflection of the ongoing struggle against domestic abuse.
Drabick was arrested on September 19, 2023, following extensive searches of properties linked to both spouses. His defense team introduced the argument that Drabick, who reportedly has autism, faced challenges in social situations, although the judge noted that should not excuse the crime.
With the legal proceedings concluded, Drabick will serve a lengthy imprisonment as a consequence of his actions. Hikmat’s death remains officially classified as a homicide, a stark reminder of the violence that can erupt within intimate relationships.