Catawba County Authorities Arrest Man Just Released From Prison After Murder Conviction

56-year-old Mark Travis Waters, who is listed as homeless, was arrested Saturday by authorities in Catawba County. He’s charged with felony probation violation.

According to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Probation & Parole held an arrest warrant for Waters. He’s is on parole after being convicted of second-degree murder in Caldwell County. He was convicted in 2009 in connection to the death of his mother, 60-year-old Emma Jean Waters.

Emma Jean Waters died on November 20, 2005. Officers were called to a home on Woodchuck Lane in Lenoir and entered the home just as family members were forcing their way in. The victim’s body was found at the rear of the home. In addition to Mark Travis Waters, 39-year-old Dale Lynn Hallyburton of Lenoir was also charged in the case.

Mark Travis Waters was convicted of felony counts of second-degree murder and common law robbery on August 17, 2009. He served more than 14 years in prison prior to his release on November 27, 2023. According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Public Information website, Waters has a criminal history that dates back more than 30 years. There are multiple convictions listed in Caldwell County starting in 1991.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that they were searching for Waters. He was taken into custody Saturday in Catawba County. Waters is being held in the Catawba County Detention Facility without bond. No court date was listed.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY