3 charged with dumping body off Burke County bridge into river

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators in Burke County have charged three people, including a father and son, after kayakers found a body that was dumped off a bridge and into a river.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office said Mark Dwayne Mitchell was wrapped in a sheet and dumped off the Corpening Bridge over the Johns River.

Deputies found Mitchell’s body on Aug. 30 after kayakers along Johns River found human remains.

Mitchell’s family told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty they’re in disbelief over what happened.

“It’s devastating. He’s my uncle. He’s a family member,” said his nephew, Jason Mitchell. “I’m stunned. I’m stunned to learn of the circumstances.”

Rick Ramsey said Mark Mitchell was a handyman and helped him maintain several properties near Drexel. He gave him a place to stay but noticed several items missing from around Mark’s home around the time he disappeared. Like many, Ramsey has unanswered questions about the case.

“Something seemed not correct,” Ramsey said. “I don’t know, it’s just sad why someone would treat him that way, dead or alive.”

Faherty asked the sheriff how Mark Mitchell died and one possibility they’re looking into is an overdose.

Deputies searched a home on Pax Hill Road in Morganton and took Rocky Dale, his father Robert Dale, and Lorie Stevens into custody as a result.

Neighbors said investigators were at the home for more than four hours collecting evidence. The home is about 3 miles away from the bridge where Mitchell was found.

Each suspect has been charged with one count of felony concealment of death and disturbing human remains.

Rocky Dale was given no bond. Robert Dale has a $135,000 secured bond and Lorie Stephens got a $75,000 secured bond. All three were scheduled for court appearances on Monday, where a judge raised bonds for the father and son.

Prosecutors told the judge the son was recorded on a jail phone over the weekend saying he planned to go to Florida if he got out.

Faherty learned Robert Dale had been in prison several times before, including a conviction for second-degree murder back in 1993.

As the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office expects to bring more charges.

(WATCH BELOW: FBI arrests Burke County man accused of assaulting multiple officers on Jan. 6)

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