Catawba County authorities are investigating its' 5th homicide for the month of April. A Newton man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Eric Goode from Claremont. 46-year-old Daniel Eric Campbell is charged with one felony count of murder. An investigation revealed an argument between the two men had occurred prior to the shooting; leading officers to Campbell's apartment after discovering Goode deceased. Reports say Campbell would not answer door to officers; prompting them to use Catawba's Special Tactics and Response team to provide entry. Campbell was then located in a rear bedroom reports say. Two grams of meth, two long guns and three handguns were found in Campbell's residence. Campbell's next court appearance is scheduled for May 9th.

A Marion woman is charged with embezzling over $15,000 from a Lake James business. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday that 47-year-old Anna Christine Anderson, who was the manager at Bear Creek Marina and Restaurant, was charged with embezzlement. The owners reported over 2 years ago that money was missing from their business. A lengthy investigation led to Anderson who was charged on Monday.

Authorities continue to look for three suspects who are wanted in a drug conspiracy. The drug roundup Tuesday resulted in the arrest of 7 suspects from McDowell, Burke and Catawba counties. The three people still on the loose are:
66-year-old William Jackie Pearson of Morganton
37-year-old "Pepe" Pearson of Morganton
35-year-old Dwayne Bullock of Newton
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the trio is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriff's Office at 828-652-2235 or CrimeStoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463).

The Catawba County Social Services Board has named Karen Harrington Director of Catawba County Social Services. Harrington, who joined Social Services as Assistant Director in 2013, has been serving as Interim Director of the agency since January 10th.