BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — One of two men arrested by federal agents in Burke County earlier in the week has now been charged with the murder of a Wake County deputy.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals assisted with taking two people into custody along Interstate 40 in Burke County. The Marshals said they could not comment on what the investigation pertains to.
The Wake County Sheriff's Office initially said these arrests are unrelated to the shooting death of Deputy Ned Byrd, despite reports circulating that said otherwise. However, during a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 18, Sheriff Gerald M. Baker said one of the two men arrested along Interstate 40 was now formally accused of killing Byrd.
According to the sheriff, 29-year-old Arturo Marin-Sotelo is now charged with murder. He was booked into the Wake County jail earlier Thursday morning, and NBC affiliate WRAL-TV reports his first court appearance will be at 2 p.m.
Byrd was found dead after being shot on Thursday, Aug. 11 on Battle Bridge Road in rural Wake County, North Carolina.
Investigators say Byrd may have been checking on someone doing a suspicious activity, according to WRAL. Byrd did not alert anyone over the radio that he was stepping out of his vehicle or after he had been shot.
Deputies believe Byrd was shot about two hours before he was found. The search for the shooter continues, according to Wake County officials.
Marin-Sotelo's arrest may not be the only one in this case, however; a lieutenant told local news outlets more arrests are expected, and the investigation remains ongoing. The lieutenant also made an appeal for more information, saying tip lines are manned around the clock.
Anyone with information can contact the Wake County Sheriff's Office at (919) 306-6931.