Man Accused of Marrying Three Women Simultaneously — Police Warn There May Be More Victims

A North Carolina man named Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. has been charged with two felony counts of bigamy after authorities discovered he married three women simultaneously, allegedly for personal and financial gain. The revelation culminated a months-long investigation following a report filed in April 2025, raising concerns that more victims may exist.

Discovery of Multiple Marriages

Detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office uncovered records showing that Burdick had legally married three different women across three North Carolina counties: Lincoln County, Davidson County, and Guilford County. The investigation revealed no evidence of divorce proceedings before Burdick entered into two of the additional marriages.

The Legal Framework on Bigamy in North Carolina

North Carolina law classifies bigamy as a Class I felony, punishable by imprisonment. The statute applies to anyone who knowingly marries while still legally married to another person, unless the previous spouse has been absent and unheard from for seven years or the prior marriage was legally terminated by divorce or declared void by a court. Burdick's actions fall clearly within criminal parameters given the lack of divorce evidence.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

Burdick was arrested on August 22, 2025, following the investigation. He was released on a written promise to appear in court, with his initial hearing scheduled for September 22 at the Davidson County Courthouse. Authorities are actively continuing the investigation and have called upon potential additional victims to come forward.

Potential for More Victims

Sheriff’s officials have indicated that their probe is ongoing, expressing belief that there may be further individuals unknowingly caught in the web of Burdick’s unlawful marriages. They urge anyone who suspects they have been married to him without a legal divorce to contact Detective Foushee at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 236-3365.

Implications and Public Awareness

Cases like Burdick’s highlight the challenges of detecting and prosecuting serial bigamy and underscore the importance of legal records and awareness. Bigamy can have serious emotional and financial consequences for victims, and law enforcement’s role remains critical in protecting individuals and upholding the integrity of marriage laws.