CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman on a routine walk with her dog discovered a body in the woods, prompting a homicide investigation Monday.
Amanda Hebblethwaite, who runs a dog day care and lodging business in the area, said she was walking one of the dogs in her care along the treeline near Peachtree Drive when the Rottweiler made the discovery.
"I had him on a longer lead, and he started pulling really hard into the woods," Hebblethwaite said. "Then, I noticed somebody was laying there, so I started yelling out to the guy like, 'Hey, are you OK?'"
She and another person from the nearby business park called 911, after which first responders came and confirmed the man was dead.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the death is being investigated as a homicide. The victim was identified Tuesday morning as 24-year-old Curtis Gregory Lampkin. Police have not said whether there are any suspects.
Hebblethwaite said the horrific discovery comes as she's been asking police for extra patrols in the area for months.
"There's been suspicious vehicles parked on the side of the road," Hebblethwaite said. "Sometimes, it's just kids ... other times, who knows what they're doing back here at night."
Anyone with information is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 immediately. Witnesses can also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with homicide detectives.
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