Murder suspect accused of setting fire to cover burglary

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- One of the three people charged with killing a Salisbury dentist is now charged in another violent crime -- a fire to cover up a burglary that police say might have gone unsolved if not for a brave tipster.

Christopher Boyd is already facing the death penalty if convicted for his role in the murder of well-known Salisbury dentist Dr. David Boyd, who was found tied up and strangled two months ago.

Now Christopher Boyd, who's not related to the dentist, is facing more criminal charges. Kannapolis police say Boyd broke into Moss & Moore Heating and Air last November.

“There were a number of tools taken, I believe drills,” said Captain Chuck Adams of Kannapolis Police Department.

Police say Boyd used another tool from there on the property -- a torch --  to try to break into a safe, then to cover his tracks.

“The torch was apparently used to set the building ablaze to cover the burglary,” Adams said.

Christopher Boyd

Adams says he sees similarities between the burglary and the murder of the dentist.

“There was an attempt to cover up both crimes,” he said.

He also tells NewsChannel 36 that investigators know there was a second person involved in the burglary and they are checking to see if that person may be one of the others already charged in the murder of the dentist.