Burke County Investigators Identify One Victim in Glen Alpine Double Homicide Investigation

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has identified one of the human remains discovered during an ongoing homicide investigation in Glen Alpine.

According to investigators, the remains found on July 21, 2026, have been positively identified as 31-year-old Raheim McClain Murray of Morganton. Authorities said the second victim has not yet been publicly identified, as positive identification is still pending and next of kin have not yet been notified. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The investigation began on July 20, when deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office responded alongside the Glen Alpine Police Department to 618 Hennessee Street after receiving a report of suspicious circumstances near a local nature trail.

The following day, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), investigators located human remains near the trail. Detectives from the Burke County Sheriff's Office and SBI agents immediately launched a joint homicide investigation.

As the investigation progressed, authorities announced a major development on July 25, when arrest warrants were issued for Jamar Quarmaine Propst and Tosha Lee Lewis. Both were charged with Felony Conspiracy and First-Degree Murder and were taken into custody without incident during the early morning hours.

Later that same day, investigators discovered a second set of human remains near the nature trail. The SBI was again called in to assist with processing the scene.

Following the second discovery, investigators obtained additional warrants charging both Propst and Lewis with a second count of Felony Conspiracy and First-Degree Murder.

Authorities say the identity of the second victim will be released once positive identification has been completed and family members have been properly notified.

The investigation remains active, and officials say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Agencies Assisting in the Investigation

• Burke County Sheriff's Office

• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

• Glen Alpine Police Department

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• Catawba County Sheriff's Office

• Morganton Department of Public Safety

• Myrtle Beach Police Department