Burke County Sheriff’s Office Charge Three After Discovery Of Human Remains

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the discovery of a body in August.

58-year-old Robert Ford Dale, Jr., 35-year-old Rocky Lee Dale, and 50-year-old Lorie Knight Stephens, all of the same Pax Hill Road, Morganton address, have been charged. All three suspects are charged with felony counts of concealment of death and disturbing human remains. Robert Dale is also charged with felony probation violation.

On August 30th, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Corpening Bridge Road, near the Canoe Access, in reference to a death investigation. A group of individuals kayaking on Johns River said that they had found human remains near the Corpening Bridge.

The investigation led to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division executing a search warrant at an address on Pax Hill Road in Morganton. As a result of this search, the three suspects were charged.

Robert Dale was detained in the Burke County Jail under a $135,000 secured bond, Rocky Dale was jailed without bond, and Stephens received a $75,000 secured bond. All three suspects were scheduled to appear in District Court today.

The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are expected.

The identity of the human remains has not been revealed.

Rob Eastwood contributed to this story