When authorities received a report about "suspicious circumstances" along a nature trail at Simpson Park in Glen Alpine, North Carolina, they could not have anticipated what would unfold over the following days. On July 20, investigators responded to the park approximately 80 miles northwest of Charlotte—and within hours, they recovered human remains that would lead them to two people now charged with murder.
Background
The investigation began with a single report and quickly spiraled into something far more tragic. The first set of remains was discovered on July 21, one day after authorities received the initial tip about suspicious circumstances at the park. Investigators identified the body as Raheim McClain Murray, 31 years old.
Detectives with the Burke County Sheriff's Office worked through the evidence and obtained arrest warrants for two suspects by Friday—Jamar Quarmaine Propst and Tosha Lee Lewis, both 36. Both were taken into custody without incident on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy related to Raheim Murray's death.
But the investigation was far from over. Later that same Friday, authorities made a second grim discovery along the nature trail: additional human remains later identified as Carla Janon Murray, 39. The delay between discoveries meant investigators returned to the suspects with more evidence in hand, securing warrants for a second count of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
The victims—Raheim McClain Murray and Carla Janon Murray—lived together at a home approximately 12 miles from Simpson Park, according to deputies with the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Their lives ended on this wooded trail, leaving behind questions that investigators are still working to answer.
The Investigation
Burke County investigators quickly realized they needed additional resources to process the scenes properly and pursue all leads. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with evidence collection and scene processing along the nature trail.
Authorities have declined to release several key details about the case, including cause of death for either victim, how long the bodies may have been at the park before discovery, any known connection between the suspects and victims, or a possible motive for the alleged killings. The investigation remains active as detectives work to piece together what happened on this trail in rural western North Carolina.
Propst and Lewis are being held at the Burke County Jail without bond following their arrests. Both have ties to the local area, though investigators have not disclosed how they came to identify them as suspects or what evidence led to the charges.
Key Takeaways
- Raheim McClain Murray, 31, and Carla Janon Murray, 39, were found dead along a nature trail at Simpson Park in Glen Alpine, North Carolina
- Jamar Quarmaine Propst and Tosha Lee Lewis, both 36, have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy
- The remains were discovered four days apart—Raheim Murray on July 21 and Carla Murray on July 25
- Both suspects are held without bond at the Burke County Jail
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities
- Investigators have not disclosed a connection between the suspects and victims or a motive for the alleged killings
What's Next
Propst and Lewis are scheduled to appear in court on August 18, when formal charges will likely be presented. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a timeline, determine cause of death, and uncover any relationship between the accused and their alleged victims. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office.