SALISBURY, N.C. — Salisbury Police are conducting a death investigation after a man, who was reported missing out of Charlotte, was found dead in a remote area at the Catawba College Ecological Preserve.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., detectives with the Salisbury Police Department responded to a report of a deceased person at the Catawba College Ecological Preserve.
Upon arrival, detectives spoke with a college employee who reported discovering a man on one of the preserve’s trails who appeared to be deceased. Detectives immediately secured the scene and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The man was identified as 38-year-old Carlos Enrique Leon Aristoteles. Investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that Mr. Aristoteles had been reported missing in
Charlotte as of Friday, May 29, 2026.
Carlos Enrique Leon Aristoteles
Authorities have also confirmed that he was not a Rowan County resident or a student at Catawba College.
The Salisbury Police Department is actively investigating the manner and circumstances involving the death. There is no current indication of an active threat to the community.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Lieutenant Casper at 704-638-5333. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-
5245. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
