Victim’s Grandson, Two Others Charged In Connection To Rowan County Murder

SALISBURY, NC — Rowan County deputies have now arrested three suspects in connection to the murder of a 62-year-old woman at her home on Monday, March 26th.

Melanie Clark’s grandson, 25-year-old Joshua Clark, was arrested on March 27th at a on Happy Lake Road in Rockwell. He is charged with the First Degree Murder of his grandmother, as well as Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Creaig Wilson Helms Jr. and Cory Harrington have also been arrested for their alleged roles in the robbery.

Deputies say family members found Melanie Clark’s body around midnight after going to check on her late Sunday. The family told deputies they became concerned when they couldn’t reach her on Saturday, and then when she didn’t show up for Church Sunday morning.

Ms. Clark died from gunshot wounds, according to investigators.

Shortly after her death, deputies were alerted to one of Ms. Clark’s credit cards being used throughout the area. Officials say the card was inside a purse that was stolen from Ms. Clark on the night of her murder.

The suspects were eventually identified as Helms and Harrington.

Helms was arrested on April 4th and charged with Felony Identity Theft. Officials say Harrington tried to evade deputies by jumping out of a window at a home on Saw Road on April 5th, but was taken into custody.

He is charged with Felony Identity Theft, as well as Resist, Delay, Obstruct a Public Officer and Probation Violation.