Couple Sentenced In Catawba County Murder Case

Sentences have been imposed in a Catawba County murder case. 34-year-old Cecil Ray Traylor, Jr. of Eckard Road in Conover and 35-year-old Tara Melinda Jackson of Conover were charged in connection to the death of 75-year-old David Mize last October. Mize was a Vietnam veteran. Both suspects entered guilty pleas today (June 3) in Catawba County Superior Court.

Both suspects have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, concealment of death, possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of malicious starvation. Jackson also pleaded guilty to being an habitual felon. Traylor also pled to a count of felony flee to elude arrest. Both defendants were sentenced to 396 to 488 months or 33 years to 40 years, eight months in prison.

On October 21, 2025, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Swinging Bridge Road in reference to a welfare check request. The residence was owned by David Mize. Deputies made entry into the home after being unable to get anyone to the door. Deputies did not find anyone at the residence but discovered signs of foul play.

Sheriff’s investigators responded to the residence and initiated an probe. That investigation led deputies to a location in Caldwell County where the body of David Mize was found. Traylor and Jackson were confined without bond at the Catawba County Detention Facility following their arrests, they have remained in jail since then.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY