Couple's bodies found during Four Oaks house fire

The deceased were identified as L.C. Beasley, 66, and Sue Ann Beasley, who is also in her 60s, said Tammy Amaon, a spokeswoman for the Johnston County Sheriff's Office.

The body of Sue Ann Beasley was found inside the burning house at 125 Hollow Oak Drive, off Hummingbird Road, and the body of her husband was found inside a nearby shed, Amaon said. The fire was reported shortly before 10 a.m.

Family members said that relatives found Sue Ann Beasley's body in the brick house, about 60 yards off the road. She was tied up, and a nearby couch was on fire, family members said.

"I can't imagine. She never harmed nobody," Faye Lee, L.C. Beasley's sister said.

The cause of the couple's deaths hasn't been released, but Sheriff Steve Bizzell called them suspicious.

State troopers found the Beasley's Chevrolet pickup truck wrecked on Raleigh Road, not far from their house, Wednesday night, authorities said. It is unclear if the truck was stolen or if the wreck is linked to the homicides.

Families and friends who gathered on the Beasley's property Thursday said they were shocked at the couple's death.

"We had plans for Friday. We made Christmas candy together. We won't be able to do that again next year," niece Stephanie Guin said. "Why? Because someone has taken something so precious to me and my two children."

"This is the most cruel thing I can imagine (that) anyone has ever done," Guin added. "Somebody is out there that did this, that knows. You need to come forward.'