A body was found yesterday along a rural stretch of N.C. 89 in Stokes County, nine days after deputies say a 62-year-old homeowner vanished from her blood-spattered Danbury house. Investigators have charged a 30-year-old man who lived in the home with murder, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine how she died.
Scene and search
Stokes County deputies responded Saturday to 1335 Moorefield Road for a possible breaking and entering and discovered blood inside the residence, with the homeowner and her vehicle missing, according to The Charlotte Observer. The sheriff’s office said her car was later found abandoned more than two miles south on Jewel Road.
Discovery and arrest
On Monday, investigators located the woman’s body along N.C. 89 between N.C. 8 and Piney Grove Church Road. Evidence at the scene and from the home led authorities to the woman’s 30-year-old housemate, Evan Samuel Johnson, who has been charged with murder, as reported by WXII. The Stokes County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and carried out search warrants as part of the case, WXII reported.
Suspect and charges
Officials identified the victim as 62-year-old Terri Leedy and said she was not related to Johnson, although he lived at the Moorefield Road home with his mother, according to The Charlotte Observer. Authorities have not released any information about a possible motive.
Investigation ongoing
The Stokes County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is still active and is asking anyone with information to contact the department, as WXII reported. Officials have not immediately released details about Johnson’s booking, bond, or any upcoming court date.
What’s next
An autopsy is expected to clarify the cause of death, and investigators say the case remains open as they continue to collect evidence. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue any additional charges as the case moves through Stokes County courts. This story will be updated as authorities release more information.
