Two Charged with Murder in Morganton Near Lake James

Two men have been charged with second-degree murder following a homicide in Burke County on Friday, authorities said Saturday.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded Aug. 22 to a call for a cardiac arrest at 3105 NC 126. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male and immediately opened a homicide investigation.

The suspects, Chad Allen MacJarrett and Donaven James Purcell, were taken into custody without incident. Both were charged with one count of second-degree murder and were denied bond. Their court date is set for Aug. 25 at the Burke County Courthouse.

Records indicate the incident occurred less than two miles from the Fonta Flora State Trail Beach at Lake James. Investigators said one of the suspects, Purcell, shares the same address as the location of the incident.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the ongoing investigation, and the sheriff’s office is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office. The identity of the victim has not been released pending family notification.