LCSO: Lenoir County man arrested in connection to 2025 arson and attempted murder investigation

On May 5, 2025, detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division obtained warrants for Charles Edward Sutton, 52, of Lenoir County, following an investigation into an early morning structure fire at 116 West King Street in La Grange.

Investigators responded to the residence shortly after 1:00 a.m. on May 5, 2025. During the course of the investigation, detectives gathered evidence indicating the fire had been intentionally set.

As a result of the investigation, Charles Edward Sutton was charged with the following:

Attempted First-Degree Murder

First-Degree Arson

After numerous attempts to locate and apprehend Sutton, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. On April 8, 2026, Sutton was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Wilmington.

Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office will transport Sutton from the New Hanover County Jail to the Lenoir County Jail, where he will be held under a secured bond.

Sheriff Jackie Rogers would like to extend his appreciation to the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in this investigation.