Written by Saturday, 25th, July 2026
GLEN ALPINE, N.C. – Authorities have identified one of the two victims whose remains were discovered during an ongoing homicide investigation near a nature trail in Glen Alpine.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office announced that the remains found on July 21, 2026, have been positively identified as 31-year-old Raheim McClain Murray of Morganton. Officials said the second victim’s remains are still awaiting positive identification, and the victim’s identity will be released after confirmation and notification of next of kin.
The investigation began on July 20, when deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Glen Alpine Police Department responded to 618 Hennessee Street after receiving a report of suspicious circumstances involving the nearby nature trail.
The following day, investigators, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), located human remains near the trail. Detectives with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and SBI agents immediately launched a joint homicide investigation.
As the investigation progressed, authorities obtained arrest warrants on July 25 charging Jamar Quarmaine Propst and Tosha Lee Lewis with First-Degree Murder and Felony Conspiracy. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident during the early morning hours of July 25.
Later that same day, investigators returned to the scene and located additional human remains near the nature trail. The SBI was once again called in to assist with processing the scene.
Following the second discovery, authorities obtained additional warrants charging Propst and Lewis with a second count of First-Degree Murder and Felony Conspiracy.
Investigators say the case remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the second victim pending positive identification and notification of family members.
Multiple agencies continue to assist in the investigation, including:
- 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 Public Safety
- Myrtle Beach Police Department
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a developing story. Updates will be published as additional information becomes available.