Burke County Double-Murder Investigation Underway

New information has been released regarding the investigation into a fire in Burke County in which two people were found deceased. Both victims were found to have suffered gunshot wounds at the scene of the blaze. The fire occurred August 31 at a home on Swink Street in the Antioch section of Burke County. The victims were identified as 76-year-old Joseph Kincaid Byrd, Jr. and 63-year-old Michael Curtis Hallyburton, both of Morganton.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case. Other agencies involved in the investigation are the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Office, United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Virginia State Police, and the Hickory Police Department.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to follow up on incoming leads and use all available resources during the investigation. They are asking anyone with information related to this case to call 828-764-9558. Crimestoppers tips can remain anonymous, and individuals who provide information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY