News Summary
Lee Anthony Funderburk, missing for nearly nine years, has been identified through skeletal remains discovered in a vehicle at a Davidson County scrapyard. His family reported him missing in 2016, and authorities have classified the case as a homicide, transferring it to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for further investigation. The identification brings some closure to Funderburk’s family, who have long sought answers about his disappearance. Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Skeletal Remains of Missing Man Identified in Homicide Investigation
The skeletal remains of Lee Anthony Funderburk, a man reported missing nearly nine years ago, have been identified in a homicide investigation after they were discovered at a scrapyard in Davidson County. The remains were found on May 14, 2025, concealed within the trunk of an abandoned vehicle.
Funderburk’s family initially reported him missing on May 31, 2016, after they last saw him in the Charlotte area on March 25, 2016, specifically in the 9900 block of Clairemore Place. His remains were identified by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office shortly after their discovery, confirming the identity of Funderburk.
Authorities have classified Funderburk’s death as a homicide, though specific details surrounding the circumstances of the crime have not been disclosed. Investigators learned that the initial act of homicide did not occur in Davidson County, prompting a transfer of the case to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for further analysis.
Discovery Details
The remains were stumbled upon by an employee of Leonard Salvage, the scrapyard where the vehicle had been brought. Upon investigating the car, now identified as belonging to Funderburk’s mother, Mattie Mae Funderburk, the remains were uncovered.
Following the identification, the Davidson County Sheriff confirmed that individuals involved in the vehicle’s sale or those connected to Leonard Salvage are not considered suspects in Funderburk’s death. Investigators emphasized the importance of receiving any additional information from the public that may support the ongoing investigation.
Community Impact and Call for Information
The discovery of Funderburk’s remains has provided a form of closure for his family after years of uncertainty. The Sheriff expressed deep empathy towards the family, acknowledging the emotional toll of nearly a decade spent seeking answers about their loved one’s disappearance.
Law enforcement officials have encouraged anyone with knowledge pertaining to Funderburk’s disappearance or homicide to come forward. Members of the public can reach out to homicide detectives or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers to assist in further progressing the investigation.
Background of the Case
Lee Anthony Funderburk, at the time of his disappearance, was a member of the local community, and his sudden vanishing raised alarm among family and friends. Despite law enforcement efforts and community outreach, the case stalled as leads dwindled. The duration of the case has left many questions lingering among those who knew him.
The discovery of his remains marks a significant development in a lengthy investigation, highlighting the critical role community support plays in uncovering the truth behind such troubling incidents.
As the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to pursue leads, they remain committed to bringing justice for Funderburk and his family. Any further information or tips from the public may prove vital in unraveling the circumstances of this tragic case.
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Additional Resources
- QC News
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Lee Anthony Funderburk
- WCNC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- WXII 12
- Google News: Lee Funderburk remains found
- WBTV
