Body Found in Alexander County

“This goes to show community watch works.”

Alexander County sheriff Chris Bowman says its thanks to a concerned citizen and quick police response that 71-year-old Robert Hearne Juniors body was found in a deserted field.

53-year-old Toni Hearne and 33-year-old Linsby Lentz are behind charged with murder After Sheriff Bowman says the citizen saw the suspects drive down this dirt road off Highway 64 and thinking it was suspicious called a captain with the sheriff department.

“When he responded he found a grey Lincoln Continental just behind the tape on incline that was stuck and couldn’t get out.”

After talking to the suspects the Capt called for backup. That’s when police followed this path in the woods where they suspected something had been dragged and found Robert Hearne’s naked body.

Sheriff Bowman says they have no clue what brought the suspects to this vacant land all the way from Albemarle, but timing worked out for authorities to make the arrests.

“It would have been very possible it would have been very hard case to solve if it wouldn’t have been for the concerned citizen,” he added.