Written by Saturday, 1st, August 2026
BROOKFORD, N.C. – The Brookford Police Department has announced a second arrest in the investigation into the disappearance and death of Claude Wayne “Doc” Holsclaw.
Authorities said 33-year-old Adam Kyle Ramsey, of Brookford, was arrested on July 31 following the continued investigation into Holsclaw’s death. Ramsey has been charged with one count of Felony Accessory After the Fact to Murder and one count of Felony Concealment of Death.
According to investigators, the case began during the evening of July 16, 2026, when Brookford Police Officers responded to Holsclaw’s residence at approximately 9 p.m. to conduct a welfare check. While officers were at the home attempting to locate Holsclaw and verify his well-being, another individual associated with him reported that he could not be located and requested that he be officially reported as a missing person.
Investigators initially received information suggesting Holsclaw may have traveled to the mountains with a friend, leading officers to consider the possibility that he had voluntarily left the area. Despite that information, Holsclaw was entered into the National Crime Information Center later that evening as a missing and endangered person. Officers also began checking hospitals, interviewing acquaintances, and working to determine his whereabouts.
The investigation took a significant turn on July 17, when detectives received new information that raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Holsclaw’s disappearance. As the investigation intensified, Brookford Police Chief Will Armstrong requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to provide additional investigative resources, forensic support, and specialized personnel.
Later that evening, investigators developed probable cause to obtain and execute a search warrant at the property where Holsclaw had been living. Brookford officers and SBI investigators continued working around the clock in the days that followed, conducting interviews, reviewing evidence, and pursuing leads.
On July 20, investigators located human remains while executing another court-authorized search warrant. The remains were transported to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for examination.
An autopsy conducted on July 24 positively identified the remains as those of Claude Wayne “Doc” Holsclaw. Preliminary autopsy findings indicated Holsclaw likely died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Following the autopsy results and additional investigative developments, authorities obtained arrest warrants for 34-year-old Joshua Ray Begley, charging him with:
- Murder
- Concealment of Death
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon During the Commission or Attempted Commission of a Felony
Begley was located and taken into custody by SBI investigators on July 26.
As the investigation continued, detectives developed additional evidence that led to Ramsey’s arrest on July 31. He was taken into custody by Brookford Police Lieutenant Brantley at his place of employment in Hickory with assistance from the Hickory Police Department. Lieutenant Brantley serves as the lead Brookford Police Department investigator assigned to the case.
“This investigation has required extensive coordination, long hours, and a continued commitment from every officer and agency involved,” Chief Armstrong said. “We are grateful to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department, and all other public safety personnel who have provided assistance throughout this investigation.“
Chief Armstrong also expressed condolences to Holsclaw’s family, saying the department remains committed to supporting them while continuing to pursue accountability through a thorough and professional investigation.
Both Adam Kyle Ramsey and Joshua Ray Begley are being held in the Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond.
The investigation remains active.
All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as additional information is released by law enforcement officials.