Man murdered friend after argument inside Burke County home, deputies say

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man has been charged with killing his friend early Wednesday morning in Burke County, authorities said.

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting just before 2:45 a.m. at a home on Royce Street in Morganton.

Once they got to the scene, they met 56-year-old Rodney Sanders outside, where he was taken into custody. In the basement of the house, deputies found Brandon Chase Jones dead.

Neighbors told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that on Tuesday the men were joking around at the home near Drexel, but an argument Tuesday night led to gunfire.

According to neighbors, Sanders was allowing Jones to stay at his home. The men were very good friends, they said.

“Found out what he’s been charged with and what I know is, they’re friends,” said neighbor Mike Hennessee. “How it’s not an accident, that’s beyond me.”

Tuesday night’s dispute led to Sanders asking Jones to leave prior to the shots being fired, officials said.

Sanders was charged with murder and is being held at the Burke County Jail under no bond. His first court appearance is Thursday.

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