Two North Carolina residents are facing first-degree murder charges after investigators discovered the remains of a man and a woman on separate occasions along a nature trail in Burke County, authorities said.
According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Jamar Quarmaine Propst, 36, and Tosha Lee Lewis, 36, have each been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of conspiracy in connection with the deaths of Raheim McClain Murray, 31, and Carla Janon Murray, 39.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released a motive or many details surrounding the deaths.
Investigation Began After Report of Suspicious Circumstances
The case began on July 20, when deputies received a report regarding “suspicious circumstances” along the nature trail at Simpson Park in Glen Alpine, a community located approximately 80 miles northwest of Charlotte.
Deputies responded to the area and launched an investigation into the report.
First Victim Identified After Human Remains Recovered
On July 21, investigators located human remains near the trail.
Authorities later identified the remains as 31-year-old Raheim McClain Murray.
As detectives continued their investigation, they gathered evidence that led them to identify Propst and Lewis as suspects.
On Friday, investigators obtained arrest warrants charging both suspects with one count of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy related to Raheim Murray’s death.
The sheriff’s office said both Propst and Lewis were taken into custody without incident.
Second Set of Human Remains Found
Later that same Friday, investigators searching the area made another discovery.
Deputies found a second set of human remains, which were later identified as 39-year-old Carla Janon Murray.
Following that discovery, authorities obtained additional warrants charging Propst and Lewis with a second count of first-degree murder and a second count of conspiracy.
Both suspects now face charges in connection with the deaths of both victims.
State Bureau of Investigation Assisting
Because of the seriousness of the case, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) joined the investigation.
The SBI is assisting the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with processing the crime scenes and helping investigators collect and analyze evidence.
Many Questions Remain Unanswered
Authorities have released very little information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigators have not disclosed:
- The causes of death for either victim.
- How long the remains were at Simpson Park before they were discovered.
- Whether the victims were killed at the park or elsewhere.
- Any known relationship between the suspects and the victims.
- A possible motive for the alleged killings.
Officials have also not said whether additional charges or arrests are expected.
Victims Lived Near Discovery Site
According to deputies, Raheim McClain Murray and Carla Janon Murray lived at a residence approximately 12 miles from Simpson Park, where their remains were found.
Authorities have not explained how the victims came to be at the park.
Suspects Remain in Jail
Propst and Lewis are being held at the Burke County Jail without bond.
Their next scheduled court appearances are set for Aug. 18.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office said detectives continue to investigate the case as they work to determine exactly what happened to Raheim and Carla Murray and what led to their deaths.
