UPDATE: KSP Investigate Suspicious Vehicle Fire Resulting in Fatality in Harlan County - One Arrested

From Kentucky State Police Post 10 -

David Stonerburner - HCDC

UPDATE:

Lynch, KY – On April 20, 2025, Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan, responded to a report of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on KY 160, located on Lynch Mountain in the Lynch community of Harlan County. Upon arrival, troopers and detectives discovered a Toyota passenger vehicle off the roadway and down the mountainside. One occupant was found trapped inside.

The victim, identified as 44-year-old Sandra Moore of Virginia, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Harlan County Coroner.

Following an initial investigation, KSP detectives determined that Moore had been involved in a physical altercation earlier that morning with her nephew, 29-year-old David Stoneburner, at their residence in Virginia. Evidence suggests that after the dispute, which led to Moore’s death, Stoneburner transported her body in her own vehicle to Kentucky. Upon arriving at Lynch Mountain, Stoneburner placed Moore in the driver’s seat, intentionally set the vehicle on fire, and put the vehicle in motion causing it to travel over the embankment.

David Stoneburner was taken into custody and transported to the Harlan County Detention Center. He is currently charged with Abuse of a Corpse and Arson, 1st Degree. Additional charges will be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Virginia authorities are actively investigating Sandra Moore’s death, while Detective Jake Middleton with Kentucky State Police is leading the ongoing investigation in Kentucky.

Here is a statement regarding the other death investigation in this case out of Wise Virginia.

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ORIGINAL REPORT:

At approximately 1:45 PM Sunday April 20, 2025, Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan received a call regarding a single-vehicle collision on KY-160, located on Big Black Mountain in the Lynch community of Harlan County. Initial reports indicated that the vehicle was on fire and one person was trapped inside.

Emergency responders, including the Harlan Rescue Squad, Lifeguard Ambulance, Lynch Fire Department, Harlan Coroner’s Office, and Kentucky State Police, quickly responded to the scene.

At this time, KSP can confirm that one individual has been pronounced deceased, but their identity is pending notification of family members.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.