North Carolina Man Sentenced for Killing Uncle, Burying Body in Backyard

Stephen Eric Buchanan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, concealment of death, and other charges

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:05pm

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A 40-year-old North Carolina man, Stephen Eric Buchanan, was sentenced to 51 to 63 years in prison for killing his 72-year-old uncle, Charles Knight, and then burying the body in the victim's own backyard. Buchanan also pleaded guilty to concealment of death and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing lengths some individuals will go to cover up a violent crime, as well as the importance of thorough police investigations to uncover the truth and bring perpetrators to justice, even in cases where the victim's remains have been hidden.

The details

In August 2024, police conducted a welfare check at Knight's residence in Cleveland, North Carolina and found his partially buried remains in the backyard, with additional remains discovered in a burn pit. Buchanan was arrested four days later and eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, concealment of death, and other charges. Buchanan's brother had alerted authorities after noticing his uncle's car in Buchanan's possession and a suspicious fire burning for days in the backyard.

  • On August 4, 2024, police conducted a welfare check at Knight's residence and found his remains.
  • On August 12, 2024, Buchanan was arrested on outstanding warrants in South Carolina and extradited to North Carolina.
  • In September 2024, Buchanan's brother told a news outlet that he had alerted police after seeing the suspicious fire and Buchanan using Knight's car.
  • On March 21, 2026, Buchanan was sentenced to 51 to 63 years in prison.

The players

Stephen Eric Buchanan

A 40-year-old North Carolina man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, concealment of death, and other charges for killing his 72-year-old uncle, Charles Knight, and burying the body in the victim's backyard.

Charles Knight

The 72-year-old victim who was killed by his nephew, Stephen Eric Buchanan, and whose body was buried in his own backyard.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

The lead agency that investigated the case and worked with the Cleveland Police Department and Rowan County Sheriff's Office to bring Buchanan to justice.

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What they’re saying

“I asked Stephen where our uncle was, and he told me he was in Louisiana. He had been going to yard sales and selling my uncle's things. I got a call from my uncle's neighbor one day who said there was a fire burning for three days and they could smell a dead animal.”

— Buchanan's brother

What’s next

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation thanked their law enforcement partners for their work in thoroughly investigating the case and bringing closure to the victim's family.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the importance of diligent police work and cooperation across agencies to uncover the truth, even in cases where perpetrators go to great lengths to conceal their crimes. It also underscores the need for stronger safeguards and support systems to prevent such violent acts within families.