Woman Charged With Murder After 72-Year-Old Found Dead at Bassett Trail Apartment

Raleigh police say they arrested 66-year-old Sandra Hunter after officers discovered 72-year-old Arthur Upchurch dead inside a vehicle at an apartment complex near New Bern Avenue in the Bassett Trail area.

Police dispatch records reported the call came in Saturday morning, Feb. 28, 2026; ABC11 cited a response time of 11:09 a.m., while WRAL described officers being called “around 11 a.m.” when they arrived at the Bassett Trail scene. WRAL’s Breaking News Tracker on site noted four Raleigh police cruisers surrounding a silver SUV where the body was located.

Authorities and local outlets identified the victim as Arthur Upchurch, 72, and said Sandra Hunter, 66, was arrested and charged with murder. ABC11’s story carried a photo credit to the Raleigh Police Department in connection with the reporting. Both WRAL and ABC11 described the investigation as active and ongoing; no additional charges, booking details, or court dates have been released.

Raleigh police have not provided a cause of death, motive, or any information about a relationship between Upchurch and Hunter. WRAL and ABC11 did not report autopsy results or forensic findings, and neither outlet published bond or detention status for Hunter. Investigators have not said whether any other persons of interest are being sought.

Police have asked the public for help as the probe continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or leave a tip with Raleigh Crimestoppers online by using the organization’s Leave a Tip option. Local media coverage indicates Raleigh investigators are collecting evidence at the Bassett Trail apartment area and reviewing the scene where the silver SUV was found.

This case remains under active investigation by Raleigh police following the Feb. 28 discovery. Reporters and residents seeking official updates should contact Raleigh Police Department media relations or the department tip line, and investigators have reiterated they will publish further information when charges, autopsy results, or court filings are available.