Additional arrests expected
Moore County Sheriff Neil Godfrey announced today the arrest of two suspects in the murder of Elden Kitson Vanderwal.
Jesse Levon Martin
Godfrey said that deputies responded to a residential structure fire at 216 Brewer Road near Seagrove at approximately 4:20 a.m. on Aug. 23. During the subsequent fire scene investigation, deputies found the body of Vanderwal, 71, inside the residence.
Deputies on Wednesday arrested Jesse Levon Martin, 32, and Debra Raegan Dorsett, 23, both of Asheboro. Both suspects were charged with first degree murder and confined in the Moore County Detention Center with no bond. They each have an initial court appearance scheduled for Nov. 25.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined that the Vanderwal had been murdered prior to the fire being started.
Godfrey stated that deputies have spent many hours pursuing leads in this investigation and that their hard work and dedicated service resulted in this investigation being brought to a successful conclusion. Godfrey said that two suspects have been arrested and additional arrests are anticipated.
Debra Raegan Dorsett
Discussion