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Joseph Kincaid Byrd Jr., 76, of Morganton, was identified as the second victim found at the scene of a house fire on Swink Street in the Antioch community of Burke County on Sunday, Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman said in a news release at 5:45 am. on Friday.

Byrd was a former lawyer and the son of Joe K. Byrd, one of the founders of the Byrd, Byrd, McMahon and Denton law firm.

Michael Curtis Hallyburton, 63, was the first victim to be identified, the sheriff said

Hinceman has not said how either man died. Hinceman said the investigation is considered a double homicide. The cause of the fire has also not been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 828-764-9530 or through the sheriff's office mobile app. 

The fire

Burke County officials responded to a home on Swink Street in the Antioch community shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday. The fire departments left the scene shortly after 2:30 p.m. Burke Count Emergency Management left the scene around 10:30 p.m., Burke County Emergency Communications Assistant Director Chris White said.

Two people, now identified as Byrd and Hallyburton were found dead. 

Banks said multiple law agencies including the U.S. Marshal Service, the State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting.

N.C. State Bureau of Investigation Public Information Director Chad Flowers said one of their agents from the arson investigation team was sent to assist. Flowers said the SBI is helping to investigate if the fire was arson.

At least 15 dogs were found alive at the home. All but three were captured by Burke County Animal Services by Tuesday.