Investigation continues at Union Co. house where 3 found dead

MARSHVILLE, N.C. — State investigators are back at a Union County house, looking for clues where three people were found dead.

Investigators started their third day at the scene on Landsford Road near Marshville on Monday morning.

Sheriff Eddy Cathey said investigators still do not know who the suspect is.

"Certainly we want resolution for this case, for the community, for the families. And certainly we want this case solved," Cathey said.

Deputies said they are being very methodical with their searches. Forensic experts from the State Bureau of Investigation assisted in collecting evidence.

Deputies said Sunday night they know how the three were killed, but have no plans to release those details yet.

"Eventually we're hoping to make an arrest on this, and we don't need that information out in the public," Cathey said.

Cathey said the crime scene is very complicated, adding that investigators have an unusual volume of evidence that still needs to be processed.

Meanwhile, friends and family of the three victims are trying to make sense of the deaths.

"We are totally lost," said Linda Morrisson, an aunt of 38-year-old Crystal Hicks.

Morrisson found Hicks' body near edge of the woods off of Landsford Road. Hicks lived next door with 46-year-old Ronnie Overcash.

"My son went to knock on the door to see if Ronnie knew anything," Morrisson said. "There was no answer, the door was unlocked and (my son) seen the two men on the inside."

The two men found dead inside were Overcash and 61-year-old Jerry Marsh.

On Monday, Ronnie Overcash's son and ex-wife both put out a plea for help solving the crime.

"I don't understand it. I don't understand it at all," said Randy Overcash.  He said his father had been living in the house in Marshville for about two years.

Randy's mother, who had been married to Ronnie Overcash for 10 years, said the family cannot imagine who would have wanted to kill him or the others.

"If there's anybody who can come forward with something to give us some kind of closure, I wish they would do it," Lisa Mauldin said between tears.

"These people were loved. They had children and they had plans," she said.

Neighbors said Marsh raised chickens on his farm and sold them to nearby Pilgrim's Pride. Marsh employed several workers, including Overcash.

Friends said that those close to Marsh have theorized that he went to check on Overcash after he did not show up for work Saturday.

It's unclear whether Overcash and Hicks were already dead, but deputies have not ruled out the possibility that Marsh was killed after them.

"Seems like he was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Marsh's neighbor and friend, Ronald Turner. "He was a great guy and we'll certainly miss him. We're still shocked."

Hicks' family expressed similar shock. They said Hicks had recently moved into Overcash's home. Hicks leaves behind two teenage children.

"She loved life, didn't have enemies and we'll miss her very much," said Hicks' cousin, Novalee Zuniga.

Anyone with any information concerning the deaths is asked to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 704-283-3789 or Union CountyCrime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

WSOC