‘Why the Pecks’ house?’ Neighbor says man indicted in North Carolina killings was a handyman
By Kimberly King
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POLK COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — Randy Smith, a neighbor of Robert and Wendy Peck in Saluda, said the man indicted on two counts of murder in connection with their killings was a known person in the community.
District Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed Tuesday, June 9, that a grand jury indicted Christopher Shane Turner, 42, on two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of the Pecks of Saluda, both 80.
As News 13 previously reported, emergency responders went to a reported structure fire on West Fork Creek Road in Saluda on Sunday, May 24. Later, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced that the deaths of the Pecks, found dead in the house, were ruled as homicides following autopsies.
“He was a handyman,” said Smith. “But that house, why the Pecks’ house. I mean, why?”
Smith doesn’t know if Turner ever worked for the Pecks. But he said he knows Turner lived with a woman in the Melrose Lake community.
“I am glad they have someone in custody,” said Smith.
Smith is also aware that Turner faces an additional vehicle larceny charge. Warrants show authorities took Turner into custody on that alleged charge on May 31, seven days after the house fire and discovery of the bodies.
Thursday, June 1, Smith said detectives and deputies from the Polk and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office came to his property and adjacent properties to search, bringing scent dogs.
“He says, ‘we’re conducting a search of adjoining properties looking for evidence,” Smith said.
Smith’s outdoor surveillance footage showed investigators walking around his property.
Smith and other neighbors are grateful that investigators were able to arrest a suspect in less than three weeks. Defense attorney Steve Lindsay said it points to strong detective work. But he said he doesn’t expect many facts or a motive to be made public because of the grand jury proceeding, which is a secret hearing.
“They listen to a certain amount of evidence,” said Lindsay. “Then the grand jury’s job is to decide has a crime been committed. We keep the process secret so information that is sensitive isn’t leaked out.”
During Turner’s initial appearance on Tuesday in Polk County Superior Court, Judge Athena Brooks said Turner filled out paperwork to state he was indigent and wanted a public defender. Brooks said he already had a public defender for other pending cases in district court.
Brooks confirmed with court staff that Turner will have a probable cause hearing next Tuesday, June 16, on the vehicle theft charge and possession of a stolen vehicle charge.
A source familiar with the investigation indicated the alleged stolen vehicle didn’t belong to the Pecks.
Brooks said the indictments for two counts of murder could ultimately result in a capital murder trial for Turner, which would mean he could potentially face the death penalty if a jury finds him guilty.
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