Walter Thurman Minton, 41, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds behind a home on Springs Pointe Drive in Stony Point, Alexander County, on December 10, 2019. Deputies responded around 12:32 PM after a call about the shooting; Minton was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 39-year-old man from Stony Point, Joshua Lee Branch, was found at the scene and detained by deputies. He was charged with murder and held at the Alexander County Detention Center without bond, with a first court appearance set for January 6, 2020. Authorities did not immediately disclose a motive and the investigation remained active.

If anyone saw activity in the Springs Pointe Drive area around midday on December 10, 2019, or has information about Minton’s movements that day, please come forward.