Body identified as person of interest in Burke County triple homicide

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators in Burke County have identified the body they discovered while searching for the person of interest in a triple homicide that happened at a home south of Morganton on June 8.

Authorities were called to the scene on Enola Road around 7:45 a.m. the day of the triple killing.

Kenneth Douglas Powell, 61, of Morganton was named the person of interest in the case.

One week after the killings, authorities discovered a decomposed body about a mile away from Powell’s apartment. There was also a gun near the body.

On Friday, authorities told Channel 9 that the body was identified as Powell.

Ballistics regarding the gun are still pending.

Police believe the victims, 22-year-old Jimmy "Brianna" Stamey, 57-year-old Pamela "Renee Ward and 23-year-old Trae Montana Ward were fatally shot.

Deputies said Stamey was found dead in a car outside of the residence. Pamela Ward and Trae Ward were found dead inside the home.

A 1-year-old child inside the house was unharmed and taken for medical evaluation.

“So, we made entry into the residence and did find the child. We also found two additional deceased,” Sheriff Steve Whisenant with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office said.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene and saw several patrol cars and crime scene tape.

Deputies still have a lot of questions about how the three adults were killed.

“Heard a knock at the door. The detective had shown up and asked if we had heard anything last night and of course, I had not,” neighbor Jeremiah Buff said.

Investigators have not released many details about the case. They won’t say if the victims are related or what was used to kill them.

Anyone with information about Powell is asked to contact Burke County investigators by calling Burke County 911.

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