A Morganton man will spend at least 14 years in prison following his conviction in Burke County Superior Court on Monday, February 4, 2019, for second-degree murder in connection with an October 2017 stabbing death.
Gerald Dean Buff, 63, was given an active prison term of 14 to 18 years by the Honorable Louis A. Trosch Jr., Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County.
The defendant will serve the sentence in custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections after pleading guilty to the death of 49-year-old Jimmy Causby.
“Nothing I can do today can change the situation … I wish I could, but I can’t do that. I am truly sorry for your loss,” said Trosch, who also ordered the defendant to pay restitution of more than $9,700 and to have no contact with the victim’s family.
On October 6, 2017, officers from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported stabbing at the defendant’s home.
Witnesses told investigators that as Causby was getting out of a vehicle, the defendant came outside and began stabbing him over an alleged stolen welder.
Physical evidence and witness statements showed that Buff stabbed Causby multiple times, even as the victim tried to retreat from the attack.
Stephen Ritchie led the investigation for the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant District Attorney Michelle Lippert handled prosecution for the State.
CONTACT: Nathan Key
Phone: 828-695-6193
Email: Nathan.D.Key@nccourts.org