Double Homicide Investigation in Burke County

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the second victim in the recent fatal house fire on Swink Street in Morganton has been identified as Joseph Kincaid Byrd, Jr., 76, of Morganton. Authorities are now investigating the case as a double homicide.

The fire occurred on September 2, 2025, and emergency crews remained on the scene late into the night. One victim, Michael Curtis Hallyburton, 63, of Morganton, was previously identified.

The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple agencies, including the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office, and several surrounding fire and emergency response departments.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to call 828-764-9530 or 828-764-9558, or submit a tip through the Burke County Sheriff’s App.