UPDATE: News staff
New charges have been filed against two of the three suspects arrested for their involvement in the death of Mark Dwayne Mitchell, whose body was found in the Johns River. In addition to the original charge of Concealment of Death and Disturbing Human Remains, Robert Ford Dale Jr, 58 of Morganton, now faces multiple felony charges related to the manufacturer of methamphetamine. He’s also facing multiple weapons charges. Rocky Lee Dale, 35 of Morganton, faces additional charges that include, four counts of Possession of Firearm by Felon, two counts of Possession of Stolen Firearm, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. They are being held with no bond.
The investigation by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office into the death of Mark Dwayne, Mitchell is ongoing, no time or cause of death have yet been given.
SUMMARY: September 10th: Burke County Sheriff’s Office
On September 9, 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office filed new charges in a case that stemmed from the death investigation of Mark Dwayne Mitchell, that began on August 30, 2024. Upon the execution of a search warrant at 2786 Pax Hill Road in Morganton on September 6, 2024, numerous firearms, some of them confirmed stolen, were located during a search of Robert Ford Dale’s residence. Detectives also discovered methamphetamine at the residence, and as a result, both Robert Ford Dale Jr. and Rocky Lee Dale were charged with new crimes. Dale Jr. was charged with (F) Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place for CS, (F) Manufacture Schedule II CS, (F) Possess Firearm by Felon – 5 Counts, (F) Possess Weapon Mass Destruction and (F) Possess Stolen Firearm. Rocky Lee Dale was charged with the additional charges of (F) Possess Firearm by Felon – 4 Counts, (F) Possess Stolen Firearm – 2 Counts and (F) Fail to Register Sex Offender. Warrants were served on the men on 9/9/2024. Both were given no bond, and both have a court date for first appearance set for 9/12/2024 at 9 am for the new charges. Agencies Involved: Burke County Sheriff’s Office
PRESS RELEASE: September 9th: Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
On August 30, 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Corpening Bridge Road, near the Canoe Access, in reference to a death investigation. A group of individuals kayaking on Johns River advised that they had located human remains near the Corpening Bridge. Further investigation led to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division executing a search warrant at 2786 Pax Hill Road, Morganton. As a result of this search warrant, Robert Ford Dale Jr., Rocky Lee Dale, and Lorie Knight Stevens were taken into custody and each charged with one count each of Felony Concealment of Death and Disturbing Human Remains. Robert Dale received a $135,000 secured bond, Rocky Dale received no bond, Lorie Stephens received a $75,000.00 secured bond. All three individuals have a first court appearance on September 9, 2024, at the Burke County Courthouse. The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are expected.
