BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies arrested a suspect after two men were found dead with gunshot wounds inside a mobile home fire in August, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday morning.
Michael James Moretz was charged with two counts of felony murder in connection with the deaths of Michael Curtis Hallyburton, 63, and Joseph Kincaid Byrd, Jr., 76.
Neighbors told Channel 9 it sounded like a bomb went off when the fire started on Aug. 31 at the home on Swink Street in the Antioch community.
The fire was extinguished, and crews found the bodies of the two men inside.
“Micheal sold Joe a trailer,” said Joanne Moretz, the suspect’s mother. “Yes, but he got his money from it. I mean, they were just friends.”
Michael Moretz knew Byrd for decades and sold two separate mobile homes to him, the suspect’s family said.
A vehicle, possibly belonging to Michael Moretz, was spotted heading to the home 30 minutes before the fire and then returning in the opposite direction after smoke was spotted in the area, according to search warrants.
Deputies later determine both men had been shot multiple times.
A family member told investigators that Byrd also sold prescription pills to Moretz.
Deputies searched the family’s home for hours Monday taking three 22-caliber pistols.
“There is no way he would have done something like that,” said Ronald Moretz, the suspect’s father. “He was real good friends with Joe and so was I.”
Joanne Moretz has this message for her son.
“I love him, and I know he didn’t do it,” the suspect’s mother told Channel 9.
Deputies have not released a motive.
Federal and state authorities were also involved in the investigation.
Authorities were offering a $2,000 reward in the case.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
‘Got my guns’: Neighbors on edge after 2 found dead with gunshots in burning home
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