Alert citizen helps deputies nab man accused of killing woman in Burke County

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A man has been charged in the murder of a woman in Burke County on Wednesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies responded to a shooting call at around 2:45 p.m. at a home on Coldwater Street in Connelly Springs. At the scene, they found Pamela Moses, 50, who had been shot.

Paramedics pronounced her dead.

Witnesses identified Johnny Everette Setzer, 48, as the suspect, according to authorities.

Investigators who were on the way to the home said they passed Setzer driving near the scene. Officials tried to pull him over, but Setzer refused to stop, leading to a chase. Deputies said the chase ended on Duncan Street when Setzer jumped out of the vehicle and ran away.

Authorities issued a Reverse 911 Call to alert nearby residents, and shortly after, a citizen spotted Setzer crossing Tomlinson Loop and called police. Setzer tried to run away again but was quickly taken into custody.

Detectives said they had been investigating previous crimes involving Setzer before the murder happened. According to deputies, Setzer was knocking on doors and disturbing citizens on the night of Aug. 16. Officials said he was intoxicated and taken to the Burke County Jail to be held until sober.

The next day, investigators determined Setzer was a suspect in a theft and stolen vehicle case, as well as a larceny of several firearms that happened on Aug. 14.

Authorities had charged Setzer for larceny and possession of the stolen vehicle. He was issued a $25,000 unsecured bond and was released.

On Wednesday, Setzer was also charged with larceny and possession of a stolen firearm, along with the murder charge.

Setzer is set to appear in court on Aug. 19.

Authorities have not released any other details or a motive.

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