UPDATE: Police say the body found in a grave Monday evening has been positively identified as the missing man, Darwin Turner, Jr.
Officials say the autopsy also showed that Turner died from gunshot wounds. The case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Statesville Police at 704-878-3406 or Crime Stoppers at 704-662-1340.
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UPDATE: Police say the body of a black male was found buried at the sight off Mahogany Road, but can not provide a confirmation of the identity or cause of death at this time.
According to a release, the body was taken to Baptist Hospital where an autopsy should be completed by Thursday morning.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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STATESVILLE, N.C. — Investigators say a body was found by officers while they were searching for a missing man in Statesville.
Detectives say they were acting on information acquired during the search for Darwin “D.J.” Turner. Investigators reportedly searched a wooded area off Mahogany Road in east Statesville when they discovered what appeared to be a deceased person buried in a rudimentary grave site, according to a news release.
Officers roped off the area and provided security overnight so investigators could begin the excavation process Tuesday morning.
At this early stage, police are not saying if the body is Turner.
