In one of those, “here’s a bizarre local story” moments, a Charlotte, N.C. man told ABC affiliate WSOC he regrets digging a shallow grave in his backyard to bury a man who had overdosed in his home.
The station said Robert Pippen told WSOC reporter Dave Faherty that he dug a shallow grave in his backyard after the man overdosed in the home. He also said “he regrets that decision.”
The body was identified on Wednesday as 54-year-old Richard Morris, who was last seen at a family member’s home last June.
Deputies went to Pippen’s home after learning someone was withdrawing money from Morris’ disability account after he was reported missing, according to court documents. Pippen also told the station he also took some of Morris’ disability money after burying him.
“I would like to know for sure what happened and what was going through a young man’s mind,” said a friend of Morris. “(Pippen) should have at least called someone, called (anyone), you know?”
Conover police chief Eric Loftin said they don’t know what the cause of death is, but said ,“It’s against the North Carolina general statues to bury someone in your backyard.”