News Summary
The remains of Lee Anthony Funderburk, a man missing for nearly nine years, have been identified after being discovered in a salvaged vehicle in Davidson County. Authorities are treating the case as a homicide, reigniting interest in investigations surrounding his disappearance. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring closure to the family.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The skeletal remains of Lee Anthony Funderburk, a 44-year-old man reported missing nearly nine years ago, have been identified following their discovery in a salvaged vehicle in Davidson County. The remains, found on May 14, 2025, at Leonard Salvage in Lexington, have been ruled a homicide by investigators, prompting an ongoing investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Funderburk was last seen in the Charlotte area on March 25, 2016. He was reported missing on May 31, 2016, leading to extensive search efforts by authorities and a prolonged period of uncertainty for his family. The vehicle in which Funderburk’s remains were found belonged to his mother, Mattie Mae Funderburk. On May 13, 2025, the car was transported to Leonard Salvage for dismantling, where an employee discovered the concealed remains while working on the vehicle.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead in the investigation, though evidence suggests that the homicide did not occur within Davidson County itself. Investigators have transferred their findings to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to assist with the ongoing inquiry into Funderburk’s death. At this time, there are no suspects identified from Leonard Salvage or among the individuals who sold the vehicle.
Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons expressed the hope that the identification of the remains would bring some closure to Funderburk’s family, who have endured nearly a decade of uncertainty regarding his fate. The sheriff’s office is continuing to encourage anyone with information relating to the case to come forward. Tips can be reported directly to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at (704) 336-4978 or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.
The circumstances surrounding Funderburk’s disappearance had long puzzled investigators, and the recent discovery has reignited interest in the case. Since his initial disappearance, authorities had pursued various leads and conducted multiple searches, utilizing both conventional investigative techniques as well as community outreach efforts to gather information from the public.
Funderburk’s disappearance left a significant impact on his family and friends, with many hoping for his safe return or at least clarity surrounding his situation. The identification of his remains marks a critical development in the case and highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in resolving cases of missing persons.
In light of this tragic turn of events, the authorities remain committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances of Funderburk’s death. They are determined to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served.
The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in investigations of missing persons and homicides, particularly when considerable time has elapsed. Efforts from law enforcement, combined with community support, can play crucial roles in piecing together such cases, and the cooperation of the public remains vital as this investigation continues to unfold.
As the investigation progresses, more information may emerge that could lead to a resolution in the case of Lee Anthony Funderburk. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and supportive of one another as they process the impact of these events.
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Additional Resources
- WXII 12 News
- Google Search: Lee Anthony Funderburk
- QC News
- Google Scholar: Missing Persons Investigations
- My Fox 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Persons
- WBTV
- Google News: Skeletal Remains Found Charlotte
- ABC 45 News
- Journal Now
