BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — In July, deputies brought Josh Beard, the man charged in the slaying of 63-year-old Robin Teague in Burke County, back from Myrtle Beach.
In August, prosecutors announced they were going to seek the death penalty against Beard.
[IMAGES: Homicide investigation in Burke County]
Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant said in a press release that Teague was discovered in her home in June, and was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. Officials believe they have the murder weapon.
Authorities arrested Beard, of Lenoir, in Myrtle Beach and charged him with Teague's murder.
They said technology helped them locate Beard, as well as the truck that was spotted at the murder scene, and they called in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Myrtle Beach police to pick him up.
Investigators said Beard was not being cooperative.
Investigators said they know the motive, but neighbors believe drugs may have played a role.
The sheriff's office told Channel 9 that family members found Teague dead around 7:30 p.m. June 17 inside her home on Old NC 10 and Highway 70 near Icard.
Investigators believe Beard may have been at the home trying to buy furniture. They're looking into whether he had been there before.
Shortly after, deputies released pictures of a truck they said was in the area of the crime scene around the same time. The truck was possibly a gray 1999 Nissan Frontier.
Emotional family members could be seen on the ground next to an ambulance on the morning Teague's body was discovered, and two homes were roped off with crime tape. Investigators said Teague owned both properties.
"It's just a puzzle to all of us,” family member Janet Vallini said. “We just want to get to the bottom of what happened and why her life was taken so drastically."
Friends said Teague had rental properties in the area and was always trying to help others.
One neighbor told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty that Teague was one of the sweetest people he knew. Like many in the rural community, he was in disbelief over what happened.
"It broke my heart to lose someone like her,” neighbor Melissa Delp said. “I just feel so bad for her girls."
Friends said Teague owned several rental properties and sold eggs at the home.
Deputies executed a search warrant at the home and the SBI was called to assist with the investigation.
“Investigators say it was a family member who found Teague dead inside the home,” Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant said.
Investigators said Beard is their primary suspect, but they're not sure if anyone else was involved.
Beard is in jail under no bond.
Anyone with any information should call the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 828-438-5500.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Staples manager fired after accusing pregnant woman of shoplifting
- Police investigate after body found in surf at Myrtle Beach State Park
- Boot print found on man who died after apparent assault at club
- WATCH: Jaclyn Shearer's Tuesday forecast outlook
- First-grade teacher unharmed after logging truck crashes into classroom
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
