Four children from Alabama are found safe in Morganton, parents surrender to Public Safety. The FBI contacted Morganton Public Safety early Tuesday morning regarding the missing children. An agent stated that the FBI had been contact with the noncustodial parents, Marcus Eugene Simmons and Karissa Renee Cummings, both of Alabama. Simmons and Cummings surrendered to Public Safety and cooperated in disclosing the location of the children. Officers contacted the Burke County Sheriff's Office and provided the address to responding deputies. The children were located at a residence on Lake Drive. Burke County DSS responded to the Lake Drive residence and took custody of the children. Cummings and Simmons were transported to a magistrate and received a $200,000 secured bond. A Burke County District Court appearance is scheduled for today. Alabama officials will be proceeding with extradition.

A suspect wanted in connection with breaking and enterings to homes, churches and a business has been taken into custody without incident. On December 12th, reports were filed with the Burke County Sheriff's Office concerning the B & E's. Detectives gathered evidence and conducted interviews which led to 22-year-old Kenneth Tyler Lane Childers being identified as a suspect and warrants were issued. On Saturday, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office received an anonymous tip regarding the location of Childers, who was located at a Vale area residence. Bond was set at $7,500 with a court appearance scheduled for today.

Lenoir Fire and Police responded to a structure fire early Tuesday afternoon, at the residence of 213 Sunset Street. First responders found the home about 25% involved in fire. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Kenneth Ray Owens was found deceased inside. There is an ongoing joint investigation between Lenoir Police and Fire, along with the SBI.