The District Attorney plans to seek the death penalty against Phillip Stroup II after he is charged with the murder of Thomas Bryson. According to News 13, DA Greg Newman stated on Monday that he believes the death penalty is appropriate. Bryson's body was found Sunday night in Arden. Three people who were arrested Saturday and charged with harboring Stroupe, Frederick Badgero,Jr. of Nebo along with Jennifer Hawkins and Larry Hawkins III, both of Barnardsville, had charges upgraded Monday to felony accessory after the fact of murder. Stroupe's father, Phillip Stroupe,Sr was charged with felony accessory after the fact of first degree kidnapping, according to News 13.

An Asheville man is charged with firing a weapon into an occupied property in Burke County. The incident occurred Friday night, according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, when two Morganton residents got into an argument with 59-year-old Russell Alan Bryson near Jamestown Road and I-40. Bryson allegedly pulled out a handgun in the presence of Tamara Fleming and Terrel Avery. Bryson left in a vehicle headed west on I-40 while Fleming and Avery followed him in another vehicle while they were calling 911. Near the Kathy Road exit, Bryson reportedly pulled a handgun and shot into the vehicle occupied by Fleming and Avery, who were not struck. Bryson was stopped near MM 77 by a McDowell County Deputy. A Burke County Deputy arrived at that location and arrested Bryson who was released on an unsecured $10,000 bond. The investigation is continuing.

McDowell deputies continue their search for a runaway teen. 15-year-old Ciera Waldrop of Marion was last seen July 24th. Her grandparents, who have guardianship of Waldrop, reported her missing July 26th after she failed to return to their Hidden Forest Drive residence. Waldrop is described as a white female, 5'1" tall, weighing about 100 pounds with long dark hair and glasses. Anyone having information about Waldrop's whereabouts should call the McDowell Sheriff's Office at 652-2235.