3 arrested after man found beaten to death on side of Burke County road

RHODHISS, N.C. — Authorities have charged three people after a man was found beaten to death on the side of a Burke County road Thursday afternoon.

Deputies were called to Weaver Lane just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday after a body was found along the road.

Investigators identified the body as 19-year-old Dylan Deaton.

Officials said that throughout the day, deputies named several persons of interest, including 20-year-old Matthew Buckles.

Deputies believe Buckles worked together with 20-year-old Tristian Shoup and 28-year-old Ryleigh Waldrop to kill Deaton and cover it up.

(Buckles, Waldrop)

The investigation revealed Deaton was restrained and beaten to death by several people at Buckles' house in the Connelly Springs neighborhood. Then, he was taken and dumped on the side of Weaver Lane.

"Drugs were involved," said Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant. "There was something that precipitated this assault. He was tied up by the female, and they beat him with hands and feet."

Buckles is charged with accessory after the fact, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Authorities also charged Waldrop with accessory before the fact to a felony.

(Tristian Shoup)

Deputies arrested and charged a third suspect, 20-year-old Tristian Shoup, on Saturday.

Officials said deputies found him asleep in a car off Shady Grove Road in Connelly Springs.

Shoup is charged with accessory after the fact, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Cox Media Group