A North Carolina man accused of strangling and slitting his 15-year-old daughter’s throat appeared in court on Monday, a day after he reportedly walked into a sheriff’s office and confessed to killing the teen.
As reported by WSOC, the Union County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that in addition to first-degree murder, Joshua Burgess, 32, is facing statutory rape, kidnapping, and sexual exploitation of a minor charges. Burgess reportedly walked into the police station Sunday morning and told a dispatcher that he was turning himself in. When the dispatcher inquired about his warrants, he explained that his name wouldn’t be in any database as he just killed his daughter, Zaria Burgess, police said.
Detectives reportedly found Zaria Burgess’ body in the Wesley Chapel home following her father’s alleged admission. A medical examiner determined that the teen died from a “sharp force injury to the neck,” according to WSOC.
NEWS RELEASE August 20, 2019For Immediate ReleaseBurgess Facing Additional Charges Joshua Lee Burgess faces new…
Posted by Union County Sheriff's Office, Monroe, NC on Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Reports indicated that Zaria Burgess lived with her mother but was visiting her father for the weekend.
It is not certain if the sex offense charges against Burgess pertain to his murdered daughter. During Monday’s preliminary hearing, officials accused him of strangling the teen and slitting her throat. However, they did not disclose what events preceded the grisly slaying, according to WSOC.
Joshua Burgess’ next court hearing is scheduled for September.
“The details of this murder are indescribable,” sheriff Eddie Cathey told the news station. “There is no logical answer to explain why this man did what he is accused of doing.”
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode below:
[Featured image: Joshua Burgess/Union County Sheriff’s Office; Zaria Burgess/Facebook]
