PRESS RELEASE: Burke County Sheriff’s Department, 09/19/2024
On 9/18/24 at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 160 Block of Stephens Road in Morganton in reference to shots fired.
Deputies and detectives were nearby and responded to the area. Neighbors reported a disturbance and multiple shots were fired at 162 Stephens Road. Law enforcement made entry into the home due to the exigent circumstances and located Rita Hoglen, of the home, deceased.
Rita’s husband, Gerald Hoglen, was immediately identified as a suspect and was later located at 2174 Chester Avenue in Morganton. Gerald Hoglen was found deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Both incidents are still under investigation. This is all the information that is being released at this time.