Bones found near Burnt Branch Road determined to be animal remains
MARBLE The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious incident involving possible human remains on Fairview Road near Burnt Branch Road just after 7 p.m. Sunday.
A deputy arrived on scene and was shown a barrel containing bones by a citizen. The deputy was unable to immediately confirm whether the remains were human and requested the on-call investigator to respond.
Multiple officers and detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and Andrews Police Department responded to the scene.
After further examination by investigators and command staff, as well as consultation with the Cherokee County Medical Examiner and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigations, officials determined the remains were animal bones, not human.
“This call was handled quickly and professionally by our deputies and partnering agencies," Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood said. "We appreciate the community’s vigilance in reporting suspicious activity, and we want everyone to know their safety remains our top priority.”
At no time during this incident was there any threat to public safety.
Couple arrested for B&E
JOE BROWN HIGHWAY On May 27, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported breaking and entering at Shook's Marina off Joe Brown Highway.
During the investigation, surveillance video captured a male suspect using a hammer to forcibly break into a vending machine outside the marina office. The suspect, later identified as Brian Whitener, 56, of Murphy, damaged the lock and handle before stealing multiple beverages. Footage also showed him attempting to gain entry into the marina office and freezer area.
Later that morning, Whitener returned to the marina with a female identified as Amanda Whitener, 53, of Murphy. The pair was captured on video removing additional drinks from the damaged cooler and placing them into a bag before leaving the property.
The theft included 45 Coca-Cola beverages, eight Red Bulls and eight Mountain Dews at an estimated value of $100. Additionally, the property damage caused to the office door and the vending machine was estimated at $495.
Later the same day, deputies responded to a separate property damage call at Whitener Bend Dumpsters, also on Joe Brown Highway. Witnesses identified Brian Whitener as the driver of a vehicle that struck and damaged 25-30 feet of chain-link fencing before fleeing. During that investigation, deputies recovered a broken vending machine cooler handle at the scene that matched the one damaged at Shook Marina, further linking Whitener to the earlier crime.
Based on the evidence, arrest warrants were obtained for Brian Whitener for the following offenses:
• Attempt to Break/Enter Building
• Misdemeanor Larceny
• Two counts of Injury to Personal Property
• Injury to Real Property
• Brian was also served with a probation violation warrant
Warrants were also obtained for Amanda Whitener for the following offenses:
• Aid & Abet Larceny
• Amanda was also served with a probation violation warrant
Both individuals were taken into custody without incident on 05/29/2026 and presented before a North Carolina Magistrate who set conditions of release and a secured bond in the amount of $13,500.00 for Brian and a $5,500.00 bond for Amanda, which she has since posted and been released.
Sheriff Chris Wood stated: “These incidents show a clear disregard for private property and the hardworking business owners in our community. Thanks to strong surveillance evidence, quick investigative work by our deputies, and help from witnesses, we were able to swiftly connect the crimes and secure warrants. We will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior in Cherokee County.”
Shots fired leads to arrest
MURPHY On May 23, Sgt. D. T. Reilly of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots-fired call at 151 Wild Byrd Road in Murphy.
Upon arrival, Sergeant Reilly interviewed the complainant and two of his children, who stated that a neighboring resident had confronted them on two separate occasions while wielding a firearm. The incidents reportedly stemmed from the complainants riding an ATV in the area.
The neighbor was identified as Belinda Rollins. During the investigation, Ms. Rollins admitted to discharging a firearm in the general direction of one of the complainant’s children, who is 18 years old.
As a result of the investigation, Sergeant Reilly placed Rollins under arrest and charged her with Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Misdemeanor).
Rollins was issued a $1,000 unsecured bond by the magistrate and was assigned a court date of June 29, in Cherokee County District Court.
Sheriff hosts fishing derby
MARBLE The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Kids’ Fishing Derby on Saturday at the Sheriff’s Office pond in Marble.
Despite steady rain throughout much of the day, families turned out in force, lines were cast, and plenty of fish were reeled in. The event brought together children, parents, deputies, and volunteers for a day focused on community, outdoor fun, and youth engagement.
“Rain or shine, our community shows up for our kids,” said Sheriff Chris Wood. “Watching so many young anglers brave the weather, spending time with their families and friends, and catching fish made every drop of rain worth it. I’m grateful to our staff, volunteers, and families who turned out today—this is what Cherokee County is all about.”
The Sheriff’s Office thanked its victim's advocate, deputies, community partners, and volunteers who donated time, supplies, and expertise to make the derby a success. The agency also thanked the parents and grandparents who stood by the banks with umbrellas and big smiles.