**UPDATE**: Joshua Lee Branch had his first appearance on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in Alexander County District Court. Branch is currently being held without bond in the Alexander County Detention Center. His next court appearance is set for January 6, 2020 in Alexander County District Court.
The victim has been identified as Walter Thurman Minton, W/M, age 41 of Mountain View, North Carolina.
The investigation is continuing.
Authority of Sheriff Chris Bowman