‘It’s just shocking’: Man charged in double homicide in Lincoln County

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. at a home on the 700 block of Springs East Road.

Tabatha Eades Michelle Funderburk and Austin Bradley Tallent were pronounced deceased at the scene.

A second man was also taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, according to deputies.

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Deputies said the brutal attack took place in several rooms of the home. The weapon believed to be used is possibly a hammer.

“It was a very violent crime. They were bludgeoned to death. So it’s a very violent crime. There’s no firearm involved,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Bill Beam.

While narcotics were found inside the home, deputies are not sure if they were the reason behind the murders.

Channel 9 spoke with a man who said one of the victims allowed him to live in a camper on the property.

He said he had no idea the violent attack was taking place just feet away from where he was sleeping.

“It’s just shocking; it blows my mind,” the man said. Why? That’s what I want to know: why? I don’t know. That’s what they asked me this morning, and I don’t have a clue.”

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Deputies said 32-year-old Conway Storm Cook has been arrested in connection with this case.

Cook has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.