Local

Deputies: 74-year-old Burke Co. man found buried in yard

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A search intensified Friday in Burke County after an elderly man was found buried in his own yard.
 
Family members alerted authorities after finding blood inside the home of John Bailey Clark, 74.
        
More than a dozen law enforcement officers from both the SBI and sheriff's office are working the case.
 
Family members said Clark was last seen alive Wednesday. They became concerned when they didn't see any lights on in his home and went to investigate.
 
"He wasn't in the house, and we found blood. To bury him in the yard, too, it just worries me how he suffered," said sister-in-law Glenda Clark.
 
Deputies are releasing few details in the case including how Clark died or a possible motive. Family members describe the 74 year old as reclusive but willing to help anyone.
 
"He was a wonderful, wonderful man. I am boggled to the fact that someone would hurt him. Much less kill him and bury him," said cousin Janet Rodriguez.
 
By mid-afternoon, investigators began going door-to-door, hoping someone saw someone digging in the yard during the last two days. 
 
Channel 9 spotted several people driving slowly by the property Friday, wondering why someone would kill Clark and then bury him in a shallow grave.
 
"It doesn't make no sense. He didn't bother nobody. Far as I know, he didn't have no enemies," said friend John Carswell.
 
The sheriff hopes to release more information in the case in the upcoming days.  Right now, his detectives are working around the clock in shifts hoping to get a break in the case.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: