Polk County -- May 28, 2026: A weekend fire initially reported as a tragic house fire has taken a dark turn. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the deaths of two elderly residents found inside a burned home on West Fork Creek Road have been officially ruled a double homicide.
Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The Fire and Initial Response
The incident began at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when emergency responders were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residential home in Saluda. The property sits near the boundary line between Polk and Henderson counties.
First responders were able to contain the blaze upon arrival. However, during a subsequent search of the structure, firefighters discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence.
Victims Identified and Autopsy Results
The victims have been officially identified as:
Robert Louis Peck, 80, of Saluda, NC
Wendy Susan Peck, 80, of Saluda, NC
Following autopsies performed this week, authorities received confirmation on Wednesday, May 27, that both individuals were victims of homicide. Officials have not yet released the specific cause of death for either victim to protect the integrity of the active investigation.
A Massive Multi-Agency Investigation
With the ruling of a double homicide, the investigation has rapidly intensified. A large, highly visible law enforcement presence remains at the scene on West Fork Creek Road.
The case is currently being aggressively and jointly investigated by three major agencies:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI)
No suspects have been publicly named or charged at this time.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the West Fork Creek Road area on Sunday evening, or who may have any information regarding the fire or the deaths, to come forward immediately.
Polk County Sheriff's Office: 828-894-3001