Local

Deputies find body inside 80-foot well near Morganton

By Dave Faherty, wsoctv.com
By Dave Faherty, wsoctv.com

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies in Burke County have made a gruesome discovery inside an 80-foot well just south of Morganton.

Detectives said they found a body in the well about 100 yards off Old 18 South, near the intersection of Sugar Loaf Road, and were treating it as a homicide investigation.

Deputies brought in heavy equipment to dig around the well in order to get to the body, which investigators said was about 12-15 feet down in the well.

Authorities later identified the body as 56-year-old Howell Buchanan Jr.

For two months, deputies have been searching for information on the disappearance of Buchanan after they were asked to do a welfare check back in mid-August.

Warrant: Avery County woman entombed in concrete had fired caretaker

Investigators said a tip led them to the property where they found Buchanan’s body. They told Channel 9 he was most likely killed prior to being put in the well, which was filled with water but no longer in use.

“I’m happy that some people’s conscience -- they wanted to clear their conscience -- and told us that the body should be located here,” the sheriff said.

Investigators in Morganton say they found a body in a well and two people are charged with concealing a death.

Body found in well Investigators in Morganton say they found a body in a well and two people are charged with concealing a death. (WSOC)

According to authorities, they believe the person accused of murdering Buchanan knew him, and that the two had gotten into an argument prior to the murder.

Sheriff Steve Whisenant told Channel 9 that the suspect had died prior to deputies finding the body. That person’s name has also not been released.

Both Lorrene Hagy and Dwayne Smith have been charged with concealing a death.

Hagy wouldn’t answer any of Channel 9′s questions, but both her family and Buchanan’s family said Hagy and Buchanan were involved in a rocky relationship that included domestic violence.

Dwayne Smith, Lorrene Hagy Dwayne Smith, Lorrene Hagy (WSOC)

Buchanan’s family also said they believe someone stole their father’s trucks.

“Don’t think he deserved all that. I don’t think no one should have to go through that. I just think they probably robbed him for his trucks and stuff. Why else would they have done it,” said Buchanan’s son.

A county work crew was headed to the property Thursday afternoon to cover up the well and the hole.

Buchanan’s cause of death has not been released at this point.

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

(WATCH BELOW: Caretaker accused of killing woman, entombing her in concrete in basement)

Caretaker accused of killing woman, entombing her in concrete in basement (NCD)

©2021 Cox Media Group

Most Read