CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's note: WCNC Charlotte had previously identified the missing person who was found dead, but removed his name as his family had not yet been notified. Since both people have been publicly identified, WCNC Charlotte has chosen to include both of their names.
Arleen Watts said that not hearing from her son during their Christmas traditions was the first red flag that something was wrong.
"I was like okay where is Cedric, there was no answer," Arleen said. "We knew something was wrong because he would never miss a family gathering."
Arleen said on Thursday, she was supposed to read Christmas stories to the kids and Cedric was supposed to dress as an elf and bring gifts, but he never showed up.
Three days later, there was still no answer and still no sign of her son.
That’s when the Watts filed a missing person report, which eventually led to a phone call that no mom wanted to receive.
"I don’t know how I feel right now, the best word to describe is numb," Cedric's sister Selina Watts said.
CMPD confirmed Watts was found dead Wednesday afternoon near Green Needles Court, about seven miles from his home. Watts was found with another woman, who was also deceased.
Now as the family prepares to see Cedric's body for the first time on Tuesday, they said this will bring the closure they desperately need.
"I do need to see him, I need to see a body. It's just almost like he is going to walk through this door because I don’t have anything to look at," Selina said.
Acceptance is a hard pill to swallow, but the Watts family is relying on faith and memories of Cedric to help them get through.
"To most people, he was Uncle Cedric. To my diverse community, he was Uncle Sergio. He was everybody’s uncle," Arleen said. "Schools would call him for other people’s children, everybody loved him."
The Watts family said it will be hard finishing the new year off without Cedric, but they will see him again.
CMPD notes the investigation remains ongoing. However, the department said as of now, foul play does not appear to be a factor.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.