Body of missing man found in Harnett County pond; sheriff investigating as homicide

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- An investigation is underway after a body was found in a Harnett County pond on Monday.

On Tuesday, the sheriff's office said the case is now being investigated as a homicide.

The body was found in the 400 block of Maynard Lake Road just outside Erwin.

The sheriff's office said the medical examiner positively identified the victim as Jimmy Ray Matthews, 55 of the 50 block of Jarvis Lane in Dunn.

Erwin Police found the body while searching in a wooded area near Triton High School. Matthews had been reported missing on Thursday. He had not been seen since about 3 p.m. on April 8 when he told someone he needed to leave his home.

Authorities were told that Matthews was last seen near Triton Quick Mart and then got a tip that he may be in the woods near the high school.

Erwin Emergency personnel used a boat to retrieve his body.

Maynard Lake Road was closed from Erwin Access Road to NC Highway 55 for more than three hours while authorities investigated.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to please call the Harnett County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at (910) 893-0140 or the tip line at (910) 893-0300.