DOBSON — The suspect in an arson and homicide investigation has been apprehended, and the victim in the alleged crime has been identified.
Surry County Sheriff Jimmy Combs announced Matthew Ray Lawson, 29, of Soldier Lane in Ararat, was taken into custody in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Thursday morning.
A warrant for Lawson’s arrest was issued on Tuesday after authorities began investigating a death at 109 Starr Memory Trail in the Mount Airy area.
On Monday morning, authorities were dispatched to the address in response to a fire. However, they also found a body in the remnants of the home. Officials believed the body was that of Nathan Corey Atkins, 27, who lived at the home, which was owned by his parents.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the office of the medical examiner has confirmed the body was Atkins.
Investigators almost immediately identified signs of foul play, citing the fact two vehicles — an automobile and a motorcycle — which should have been at the residence were not there. One was found burned and the other had been wrecked.
On Tuesday, Combs said there had been a break in the case Monday night, and authorities issued the warrant for Lawson on the charge of first-degree murder.
According to Combs, after a Surry County magistrate issued the murder charge, deputies entered Lawson into the National Crime Information Center’s database. Thus, if Lawson came into contact with law enforcement officials anywhere in the nation, they would know he was wanted for murder.
According to the Facebook page of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Myrtle Beach officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in violation of the city’s noise ordinance on Wednesday night. The driver evaded the officers, and the occupants fled on foot.
The post indicates the police department’s efforts to apprehend the suspects were unsuccessful Wednesday night. However, on Thursday morning, officers saw a man matching the description. The subject again fled on foot when approached by officers, but was eventually apprehended.
A female who accompanied Lawson also was arrested, but her identity was still being verified as of Thursday afternoon.
In South Carolina, Lawson has been charged with being a fugitive from justice, possession of marijuana (second offense), possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen handgun, and unlawful carry of a firearm.
“We offer our condolences to the victim’s family and friends,” concludes the statement from Myrtle Beach authorities.
“Our investigative team is working on the arrangements with Myrtle Beach,” explained Combs, who noted no plans to return Lawson to Surry County had been finalized. “Right now we know we have a murder charge, and the suspect is in custody.”
Combs added the investigation is still ongoing.
“There is still evidence to be evaluated and interviews to be conducted,” said Combs. “Once we have evaluated that, we will work with the District Attorney’s office.”
Authorities must now complete a good, thorough investigation, said Combs, in order to see that justice is served.
The sheriff added that he is thankful for the continued support in the investigation offered by the State Bureau of Investigation, which assigned an arson investigator and other criminal investigators to the case.
Prior to the murder charge’s issue, Lawson also was wanted on three felony counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felonious possession of stolen goods, felony breaking and entering, two felonious safecracking charges, three counts of felonious larceny of a firearm, failing to appear in court for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, injury to real property, a felony probation violation and a misdemeanor probation violation.
According to N.C. Department of Public Safety records, Lawson’s criminal record dates back to 2013, when he was convicted of possession with intent to sell a schedule VI controlled substance, a felony. He was sentenced with probation in that case.
In 2014, he also received suspended sentences and probation for hit and run, reckless driving, resisting an officer, assault on an officer and failure to report an accident.
About 11 months after that conviction, Lawson received 28 months of probation for another possession with intent to sell a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia charges.
According to the records, he was also placed on probation for 12 months for misdemeanor breaking and entering in Yadkin County in March of 2016.
Though a court date has not been set for the murder charge, Lawson is due in court on charges of selling or delivering a schedule VI controlled substance and a felony probation violation on Aug. 14.
