The discovery of two bodies in an advanced state of decomposition in a natural park in Glen Alpine, North Carolina, triggered a double homicide investigation that has already left two people arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office reported that the first body was located on July 21 on the Mountain Nature Trail, a trail located within Simpson Park, about 80 miles from Charlotte.
Four days later, on July 25, authorities issued arrest warrants for Jamar Quarmaine Propst, 36, and Tosha Lee Lewis, also 36. A second body was found on the same trail that same day.
One victim was identified; the other remains nameless
Investigators identified one of the victims as 31-year-old Raheim McClain Murray.
The identity of the second deceased has not yet been confirmed by authorities, while the forensic identification process continues.
At this time, the Sheriff's Office has not released the cause of death for either victim.
Propst and Lewis were charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony.
Authorities indicated that both remain detained without bail.
According to the information released by the investigation, the motive for the alleged double homicide has not yet been determined.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to life in prison or the death penalty under North Carolina law.
His first court appearance is scheduled for this Monday.
A crime that shakes a low-crime community
The double discovery occurred in Simpson Park, a recreational space that has nature trails, green areas, playgrounds and hiking trails.
Glen Alpine is a small rural town located near the Blue Ridge Mountains and is considered a low crime community.
The authorities continue with the investigation to clarify the circumstances of the case, determine the motive for the crime and confirm the identity of the second victim.
