SHELBY, NC. (THECOUNT) — Bernice Hosch, 54, of Shelby, was found dead inside a burning home Friday after firefighters and deputies responded to an alarm at the residence in Cleveland County, North Carolina, in the Charlotte metropolitan region. Her relative, Jordan O’Neil Hosch, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
Deputies responded November 6 to a home at 106 Gibson Road after firefighters were dispatched following a fire alarm, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
Advertisement
Emergency crews found an active fire in the kitchen and discovered Bernice inside the residence. Investigators said she had injuries consistent with an apparent assault.
Firefighters contained the kitchen fire as deputies began investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The case was subsequently treated as a homicide investigation.
Investigators later charged Jordan O’Neil Hosch with first-degree murder. Jail records show he was arrested Saturday, November 7, and is being held without bond.
Jordan O’Neil Hosch had a prior arrest on May 15, 2026, according to records. The charges listed included possession of more than one-half ounce but less than one-and-one-half ounces of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the alleged assault or what may have caused the fire. The sheriff’s office has not publicly disclosed a possible motive.
Authorities have not publicly clarified whether Jordan O’Neil Hosch was related to Bernice Hosch, although the two share the same last name.
The incident occurred at a home on Gibson Road in Shelby, the county seat of Cleveland County, in western North Carolina, southwest of Charlotte.
Google Maps: 106 Gibson Road, Shelby, NC
DEVELOPING::