CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Many cars passed across the Rocky River bridge in Cabarrus County unaware of the tragedy that took place alongside it.
"It’s the holiday time. Somebody is missing their loved one," a resident living in the area told WCNC Charlotte on Tuesday.
The Cabarrus County Sheriff's office had started an investigation after the body of a Black woman was found along the roadway on Nov. 4. On Tuesday, officials called it a homicide investigation.
Investigators believe the victim was not killed at the bridge but rather was dropped there.
"We don’t know if she was around here or if it was a serial killer that dumped a random body somewhere," another resident said.
Sheriff's deputies in Cabarrus County are asking for the public's help identifying items recovered from the body of a woman found dead along U.S. 601 last week. They hope these new images will be recognized and help them identify the woman.
Investigators believe the victim, who is only identified as a Black woman. The case is being treated as a homicide but the exact cause of death hasn't been determined.
The woman is approximately 5-foot-4 and weighing around 150 pounds. She was dressed in a black top with white or gray sweatpants. There is an image of a racecar on the pant leg. She didn't have any tattoos, officials said. Investigators also provided a photo of a necklace the victim was wearing.
The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office is working with other law enforcement agencies statewide to cross-reference any missing persons reports throughout the region. Anyone who recognizes these items or has information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 704-932-7463 immediately. Witnesses can also text information to 93CRIME.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.