Burke County Sheriff's Office

06/05/2026

Burke County Sheriff's Office

May 2026 Stats

06/03/2026

Blood Drive

June 24, 2024

06/02/2026

National Gun Violence Awareness Month

June 2026

06/02/2026

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

June 2026

06/02/2026

Need Assistance in Identifying

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the community in identifying the individual pictured. If you recognize him or have any information regarding his identity, please contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (828) 438-5500.

06/02/2026

NAME: GRACIE KAY COOK

DOB: 09/29/2006

Age: 19

Address: Homeless

Charges:
(F) Second Degree Murder without Regard

Court Date: 06/01/2026
Bond: NO BOND

Summary:

On November 7, 2025, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2509 NC 18-US 64, Lot 26 in reference to a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies located a 14-month-old male deceased. The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.

After an approximate six-month investigation, warrants were issued for Samuel James Hensley and Gracie Cook for second-degree murder. Samuel James Hensely was arrested on May 21, 2026, and transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office, where he was served with the warrant for arrest and received no bond. Hensley’s initial court appearance was scheduled for May 22, 2026, in Burke County District Court, where he was issued a $300,000.00 secured bond.

On May 31, 2026, Gracie Kay Cook was located with the assistance of the Hickory Police Department. Cook was arrested and transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office, where she was served with the warrant for arrest and received no bond. Cook’s initial court appearance is scheduled for June 1, 2026.

The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office, and additional information may be released at the appropriate time.

Agencies involved:
Burke County Sheriff’s Office
Hickory Police Department

05/30/2026

05/22/2026

Arrest

NAME: SAMUEL JAMES HENSLEY

DOB: 05/20/1997

Age: 29

Address: Homeless

Charges:
(F) Second Degree Murder without Regard

Court Date: 05/22/2026
Bond: NO BOND

Summary:

On November 7, 2025, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2509 NC 18-US 64, Lot 26, Morganton, in reference to a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased 14-month-old male. The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.

Following an approximately six-month investigation, warrants were issued for Samuel James Hensley on charges of second-degree murder. Hensley was arrested without incident on May 21, 2026. He was transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office, where he was served with the warrant for arrest and received no bond. Hensley’s initial court appearance was scheduled for May 22, 2026.

The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the District Attorney’s Office, and additional information may be released at the appropriate time.

Agencies Involved:
Burke County Sheriff’s Office