A discovery of human remains by kayakers on the Johns River has led to three arrests, authorities confirmed. The Burke County Sheriff's Office reported that on August 30, deputies were dispatched to an area near canoe access on Corpening Bridge Road, where the kayakers had reportedly found the remains. Subsequent to the investigation, law enforcement secured a search warrant for a residence on Pax Hill Road in Morganton, which culminated in the arrest of Robert Ford Dale, Jr., 58, 35-year-old Rocky Lee Dale, and 50-year-old Lorie Knight Stevens. Each of the three faces charges of felony concealment of death and disturbing human remains, as articulated by a release from the sheriff's office covered by WCNC.
The law enforcement identified the deceased as Mark Dwayne Mitchell. According to a report by WSOCTV, Mitchell's body was found wrapped in a sheet and dumped off of Corpening Bridge over the Johns River. "It’s devastating. He’s my uncle. He’s a family member," Jason Mitchell, the nephew of the deceased, expressed his disbelief over the tragic events. Rick Ramsey, an acquaintance of Mark Mitchell, recalled the latter as a handyman and shared his alarm over his sudden disappearance and the subsequent ghastly discovery. "Something seemed not correct," said Ramsey.
As the investigation unfolds, bonds have been set and denied for the suspects. According to WBTV, Lorie Knight Stevens received a $75,000 bond, and Robert Dale's bond was set at $135,000; Rocky Dale has been denied bond. While the current charges revolve around the concealment and disturbance of human remains, deputies have indicated that additional charges are expected to follow.
Overdose is one line of investigation regarding the cause of death, as suggested in an inquiry to the sheriff covered by WSOCTV. The Burke County Sheriff's Office has not yet released an official cause of death, nor have they commented on the motive behind the concealment and improper disposal of Mitchell's body; instead, the sheriff's office continues investigative efforts to unravel the events leading to Mitchell's untimely death.
