Death of pet bearded dragon led to North Carolina double homicide, state claims

This handout photo provided by Arthur Georges, University of Canberra, Australia, taken in Oct. 2014, in Eulo, Queensland, Australia, shows a bearded dragon lizard. (Arthur Georges/University of Canberra, Australia)

A man charged in a Lexington double homicide appeared in court on Tuesday.

Cade Hyskell is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. He is accused of breaking into Susie Kiger’s home in Lexington on Cedar Grove Drive and stabbing her and Joshua Purvis.

State prosecutors laid out what led to the stabbings and said the alleged murders took place over a pet bearded dragon. The District Attorney said Hyskell told investigators he believed that someone had killed his pet bearded dragon and was going to seek out 13 potential culprits, including his neighbours, Kiger and Purvis.

Investigators said they did find a bearded dragon that was dead and had been buried. WXII’s crew also saw investigators removing a bearded dragon that was still alive from one of the mobile homes.

According to WXII 12’s Kelly Kendall, who was in court, Hyskell had several outbursts. There were also times when he was telling an unintelligible story about his own life and what was going on.

When the charges were read out, Hyskell laughed and even appeared incredulous at times.

Also, at points during his appearance, he said he did not understand the first-degree murder charges.

The District Attorney also brought up Hyskell’s lengthy criminal history, including charges for possession of drugs, assault, robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and more. WXII found dozens of charges dating back to 2004.

Hyskell will remain in custody without bond. If convicted, Hyskell could face life in prison or the death penalty.

He is due back in court on July 14.