Brandon Chase Jones, a 36-year-old man from Morganton, NC, was tragically shot and killed on October 20, 2021. The incident occurred at a home on Royce Drive in Morganton. Deputies from the Burke County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene early in the morning following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival at 2:42 a.m., they encountered Rodney Howard Sanders, a 56-year-old man, outside the home. Sanders was taken into custody immediately.
Inside the basement of the house, deputies found Brandon Chase Jones without a pulse. Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly after and pronounced Jones deceased at 2:46 a.m.
The investigation revealed that Rodney Howard Sanders and Brandon Chase Jones were friends, and Jones had been staying at Sanders' home. Neighbors reported that the two men had been joking around the day before the incident. However, an argument ensued later that night, leading to the fatal shooting. Sanders allegedly asked Jones to leave the house during the dispute, which escalated to gunfire. Sanders was subsequently charged with murder and is being held at the Burke County Jail without bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for October 21, 2021.
The case is still under investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from Drexel police and Burke County EMS. The authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting or any additional suspects involved. The tragic death of Brandon Chase Jones has left the community in shock, as they grapple with the loss of a friend and neighbor. The legal proceedings against Rodney Howard Sanders are ongoing, and the community awaits justice for the untimely death of Brandon Chase Jones.
