Deputies: Neighbor finds man dead in yard in Watauga Co.

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Law enforcement officials were investigating a homicide early Thursday morning in Watauga County.

Deputies were called to a home on Smith Henson Road around 6 a.m.

The victim Brandon Lee Byrd, 32, who resides in Iredell County, was determined to have died at the scene.

A dirt drive leads to the mobile home in the Sugar Grove community, where deputies believe the incident started.

A neighbor said made the gruesome discovery in the yard next to her home.

"He was (lying) around the corner of my house," Reba Farthing said.

Farthing showed Channel 9 the spot where she found a man shot and killed next to her home on Smith Henson Road west of Boone.

Investigators believe the victim ran from the mobile home after being shot and then collapsed in Farthing's yard.

Deputies found a meth lab Friday in a home on that street after executing a search warrant.

Five people were interviewed by investigators with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. Four people were arrested: William Cable Jr., 34; Travis Ward, 29; Candice Rodgers, 26; and Jessica Oakes.

All four were charged with murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

All are scheduled to appear in Watauga County Superior Court on Feb. 19.

Farthing said she has no idea how long the man had been lying dead feet from her front door.

"I think the guy was a running and they shot him in the back.  I'm praying for everyone involved and the mother of the son.  I have no idea who the guy was," she said.

WSOC