Burke County -- June 1, 2026: A six-month homicide investigation into the death of a 14-month-old boy has resulted in a second arrest, according to officials with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
Gracie Kay Cook, 19, of Morganton, was located and taken into custody on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Her arrest follows the May 21 apprehension of Samuel James Hensley, 29, also of Burke County. Both individuals have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the child's death.
The extensive investigation began on November 7, 2025, when Burke County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive 14-month-old boy. The child was found deceased, prompting a half-year multi-agency inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Following the issuance of felony warrants, local law enforcement successfully tracked down both suspects over the last two weeks:
Samuel James Hensley (29): Arrested on May 21, 2026. He was processed at the Burke County Magistrate's Office, denied bond, and made his first appearance in Burke County District Court on May 22. He remains held without bond.
Gracie Kay Cook (19): Located and arrested on May 31, 2026, with assistance from the Hickory Police Department. Cook was processed and served with the second-degree murder warrant, as well as an outstanding probation violation.
Like Hensley, Cook was ordered held in the Burke County jail under no bond. She is scheduled to make her initial appearance in Burke County District Court today, June 1, 2026.