Gregory Rutherford Obituary, Death: 34-year-old fatally shot in Burke County triple shooting, deputies report.

Gregory Rutherford Obituary, Death – A fatal shooting in Burke County has left one man dead and two others injured, with local authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violent incident. The shooting occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 31, along Kathy Road in Morganton, near the entrance to the Belle Farm community.

The victim who lost his life has been identified as 34-year-old Gregory Rutherford. According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to UNC Health Blue Ridge in a private vehicle shortly after the incident. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Rutherford was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Two additional victims were also injured during the shooting. A 53-year-old man was discovered at the scene by responding deputies and was transported by emergency medical services to the same hospital for treatment. He was reported to be in stable condition. The third victim, a 24-year-old man, was also shot during the incident but declined medical treatment at the scene.

The triple shooting took place around 5:45 p.m., prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement and EMS. Officers quickly secured the area and began investigating the scene while trying to gather statements from those present and identify any potential witnesses. Despite the chaotic nature of the incident, no arrests have been made so far, and investigators have not publicly named any suspects.

As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities have not disclosed whether the shooting stemmed from a dispute, a targeted attack, or some other form of altercation. With limited information released, it is also unknown if the three men knew each other or how they came to be at the scene together.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing leads and has asked for the public’s help in gathering more details. Anyone who may have seen the incident or has information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at (828) 438-5500. Tips can help investigators piece together the events leading up to the shooting and possibly identify those responsible.

The community of Morganton, a quiet area in Burke County, was shaken by the violent episode. Incidents involving multiple gunshot victims are rare in this part of North Carolina, and the loss of life has left residents concerned for their safety. Neighbors living near Kathy Road have expressed shock at the sudden eruption of violence so close to home.

Law enforcement has not stated whether weapons were recovered from the scene or if any surveillance footage is available from nearby homes or businesses that could shed light on the events. It is also not known if drugs, alcohol, or gang activity played any role in the shooting. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.

In the meantime, friends and family of Gregory Rutherford are mourning his loss. No official statements from relatives have been made public, but tributes and expressions of grief are beginning to appear on social media, as those who knew Rutherford remember him and share their condolences.

Community leaders and local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information to authorities. Burke County has experienced occasional violent incidents in the past, but shootings of this nature — involving multiple victims and an unresolved motive — raise concerns about escalating violence and the availability of firearms.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation, with the hope that more information will come to light through public cooperation and ongoing forensic work. Investigators are likely analyzing bullet casings, gathering statements from witnesses, and reviewing any relevant physical or digital evidence that may help clarify what happened on that Saturday evening.

As the investigation continues, local residents are encouraged to stay informed through official law enforcement updates. Authorities stress that community cooperation can play a vital role in solving violent crimes, and even small pieces of information could make a significant difference in identifying those responsible and bringing justice to the victims.

For now, the Morganton community reflects on a tragic evening that left one man dead, two others injured, and a neighborhood searching for answers. The unresolved nature of the case only adds to the sense of unease, but law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring those involved are held accountable.

Anyone with information about the shooting on Kathy Road is urged to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. The cooperation of the public is essential as authorities work to provide closure to the victims’ families and maintain safety in the community.