Saluda Homicides: What We Know

More than a week after Robert and Wendy Peck were found dead inside their burned home at 1520 West Fork Creek Road, investigators say the killings were homicides and likely premeditated. But many of the most important questions remain unanswered.

The deaths of the longtime Saluda couple, both 80, have rattled the close-knit mountain community, where neighbors say fear and uncertainty continue to grow as the investigation enters its second week.

What We Know

Emergency responders were dispatched to the Pecks' home on the evening of May 24 after reports of a structure fire. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, two people were found dead inside.

On May 28, the Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as Robert Louis Peck and Wendy Susan Peck and announced that autopsies had ruled both deaths homicides.

Sheriff Tim Wright said the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Henderson County Sheriff's Office, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are actively investigating the case.

During a Sunday briefing at Saluda United Methodist Church, where the Pecks attended, a lead detective reportedly told congregants that investigators believe the killings were premeditated, have conducted hundreds of investigative contacts, and have not identified a person of interest. Church members were also told the FBI is now assisting the investigation. The Polk County Sheriff's Office has not publicly confirmed those details as of press time.

Wright, a Republican, faces challenger Keenan Nesbitt on the ballot this fall, an unaffiliated candidate endorsed by the Democratic Party.

What We Don't Know

Authorities have not released the cause of death.

They have not said whether the fire was intentionally set.

They have not identified a suspect, announced a person of interest or disclosed a motive.

Investigators have also not said whether the victims were targeted or whether there is any ongoing threat to the community.

What Neighbors Are Saying

For many residents, the lack of answers has been unsettling.

"We've got a few people that have left to go stay elsewhere right now out of fear of what's going on and what happened," neighbor Kanda McKay-White said. "There's so much uncertainty right now in the community."

Teresa Pace said the killings have changed how she views everyday activities around her home.

"I'm afraid for him to go in the woods. I'm scared to death," she said, referring to her husband.

Her husband, Sherman Pace, who said he had worked for Robert Peck in the past, described the victim as a Navy veteran and said he hopes investigators can solve the case.

Neighbor Randy Smith, whose family previously sold the property to the Pecks, said residents understand why investigators are withholding details but are eager for more information.

"I understand it's not like 'Murder, She Wrote' where it's solved in an hour," Smith said. "But what do you have? Tell us. Where are you looking? Are there persons of interest? Are there suspects? Just what do you know?"

Smith also noted that investigators may be keeping details confidential to protect the integrity of the case and verify future tips.

The Pecks were widely known throughout Saluda for their volunteer work. Friends and neighbors credit them with helping start a free meal program and participating in reading programs for local schoolchildren.

As flowers continue to accumulate outside the home and patrol vehicles remain visible in the area, residents are left waiting for answers in one of the most disturbing crimes the community has seen in years.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 828-722-5033.