Partially Buried Human Body Discovered at a Home in Union County

Union County E-911 received a call on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 around 10:00 PM to conduct a welfare check in the 2100 block of Highway 61 East on a man who had not reported to work since Sunday, September 17th.

Union County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request. When the officers arrived on the scene, they discovered what appeared to be blood on the front porch of the home. There was a male who was also inside of the residence. The man inside was in possession of a handgun. He was detained by deputies and identified as 32-year-old Robert C. Stafford, who allegedly resides at the residence.

The deputies continued to search the premises and surrounding property where they quickly discovered a partially buried body in the front yard of the home.

The scene was secured by officials and Union County Sheriff’s Department investigators were called to the scene. Sheriff Billy Breeding was also notified and responded to the scene.

During the course of the investigation, the partially buried body was identified to be that of 61-year-old Robert E. Murrell Jr., who also resided at the home. Murrell was the man who deputies were requested to check the welfare of. According to the sheriff’s office, Murrell had reportedly suffered a single gunshot wound.

Stafford was arrested in connection to the murder. He has been charged with Criminal Homicide and is currently incarcerated in the Union County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond. The sheriff’s office states the investigation is still ongoing.