MARION, N.C. — A North Carolina woman who was wanted for allegedly hiding her sister's death was arrested at a hotel in Asheville, police confirmed.
The Marion Police Department responded to a home on East Court Street Tuesday for a welfare check. Officers spoke to family members who explained that Kristin Rutherford needed extensive in-home care. The family members said they were unable to contact Rutherford and called police for a welfare check. Officers were able to get inside the house through an unlocked window. They found Rutherford, 27, dead inside the home.
Officers said Rutherford's older sister, Casie Lynne McCartha, lived with her and was responsible for Rutherford's well-being. McCartha was not home at the time and hasn't been seen or heard from since Rutherford was found dead. Marion detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest for concealing Rutherford's death.
McCartha was arrested Thursday afternoon at an Asheville hotel, according to Marion detectives. She was transported back to Marion where she was charged. She is being held in the McDowell County jail under a $10,000 bond.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Marion Police Department at 828-652-4000.
WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because police is looking for this individual.