Caldwell County, NC – A man and woman are accused of murdering a 75-year-old Vietnam War veteran and hiding his body before returning to steal from him. Tara Jackson and Cecil Ray Traylor Jr., both 35, face murder charges in the death of David Mize, as confirmed by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office this week.
On Tuesday, deputies conducted a welfare check at Mize’s home on Swinging Bridge Road and discovered signs of foul play. An investigation identified a second location in Catawba County, specifically Valley Hills Mall, as the site where Mize’s body was reportedly placed in the trunk of his car.
The vehicle was later located in a tow lot in Caldwell County, neighboring Catawba County. Following the alleged murder, Jackson and Traylor returned to Mize’s residence to steal items.
Both suspects were arrested, with authorities documenting the moment Jackson was taken into custody. When questioned by a reporter about her involvement with Mize, she denied knowing him and stated that she had a 7-week-old baby at home.
The investigation continues, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. Mize’s friend, Sherrill Baxter, expressed sorrow over his death, highlighting Mize’s character as a solid individual and a decorated veteran. Catawba County is situated approximately an hour north of Charlotte.