Two Murphy Residents Arrested in Cherokee County for King Ford Vehicle Break-Ins and Arson

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

Deputies and Detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office have arrested two individuals following a vehicle break-in investigation and subsequent arson incident at King Ford.

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Deputies responded to King Ford in reference to multiple vehicles being broken into on the property. During the investigation, Deputies reviewed surveillance footage and identified the suspect as Zachary Dewayne Frady, 36, of Murphy.

Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Murphy Fire Department responded to a fire involving a shipping container on the property and requested assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible arson investigation.

Additional surveillance footage obtained during the investigation revealed that Frady was also involved in the fire and was accompanied by a female suspect later identified as Leah Sterling Mills, 31, of Murphy.

Detectives were subsequently notified by an off-duty Sergeant that a female known to be associated with Frady had contacted King Ford requesting to retrieve personal belongings left at the business. After reviewing surveillance footage from the previous evening, Detectives identified the female as Mills.

Upon arriving to retrieve her belongings, Mills was taken into custody and charged with Aid and Abet Felony Arson. Mills is currently confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $10,000.00 secured bond.

Later, Detectives received information regarding Frady’s whereabouts. Sheriff Chris Wood and Detective TJ Major responded to the residence to assist with the arrest. During the encounter, Frady was confronted as he attempted to exit through a basement door where he physically resisted arrest before being quickly taken into custody. Frady was then transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Frady was charged with:

• Felony Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle

• Felony Burning of a Commercial Building (Unoccupied)

• Felony Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle with Theft

• Felony Larceny

• Two counts of First-Degree Trespass

Frady is currently confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center without bond.

Sheriff Chris Wood issued the following statement: “This case is an example of the outstanding teamwork between our Deputies, Detectives, Fire Department personnel, and even observant off-duty staff,” said Sheriff Chris Wood. “Criminal activity like this will not be tolerated in Cherokee County, and we will continue working aggressively to hold those responsible accountable.”

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.