LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Lenoir police have identified the human remains found behind the shutdown Lenoir Mall last month. According to the police department, officers responded to 1023 Morganton Blvd on Tuesday, Jan. 21 after being alerted of remains found in a wooded area behind the property.
Investigators, with assistance from the NC State Bureau of Investigators, processed the scene through the evening into Wednesday morning.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, investigators received confirmation from the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner’s Officer that the human remains found were identified as Jeffery Beach Laxton, 59, from Taylorsville.
Laxton was reported missing by a family member in Alexander County on August 22, 2024.
Officials say at this point in the investigation, there is no evidence of foul play.
Anyone who may have had contact with Laxton following his disappearance is asked to contact the police department at 828-757-2100 or Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.
