03/28/2024

Bladenboro man charged with first-degree murder in death of father's fiancee

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Bladenboro man charged with first-degree murder in death of father's fiancee
Bladenboro man charged with first-degree murder in death of father’s fiancee

A 20-year-old Bladenboro man is being held without bail on a murder charge after an incident Tuesday night left the fiancee of the man’s father dead.

Marquail Allen Burney is charged in the death of Crystal Dionne Cruz of N.C. 41 West, Bladenboro, says Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker. Burney was arrested Wednesday morning in Lumberton.

According to McVicker, officers were called to the residence of David Burney, who is Marquail’s father, about 11:37 p.m. Tuesday after David Burney reported Cruz missing. David Burney told investigators that he had arrived home from work and thought Cruz was asleep in the bedroom. When he went to check, he noticed she was missing.

David Burney told investigators that his son, Marquail, had left the residence on foot after David Burney questioned him about Cruz’s disappearance, McVicker said.

After a search near the residence, Cruz’s body was found in a vehicle in the backyard, McVicker said.

McVicker said the investigation found that Marquail Burney stole a vehicle shortly after walking away from the home. An investigator spotted Marquail Burney and the stolen vehicle at a retail store parking lot in Lumberton on Wednesday morning. Marquail Burney was taken into custody without incident.

“We are still collecting evidence and our investigation is continuing,” McVicker said. “We are coordinating our efforts with the District Attorney’s office and I expect there will be additional charges forthcoming.”

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