CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The Catawba County Sherriff's Office says human remains found near the Sherills Ford community have been identified as belonging to a woman missing for about a year.
On Tuesday, the remains were found near a creek off NC 150 south of town. The victim had not been identified at the time.
Deputies announced Thursday that dental records reviewed during an autopsy confirmed the remains to belong to 23-year-old Eileen Michelle Lavery, who was reported missing from Winston-Salem in March 2023. Lavery's family has been notified.
Winston-Salem police told WCNC Charlotte she was originally reported missing from Raleigh, but had been reported in their area in March 2023. Police in Raleigh said she was reported missing in October 2023.
It's still unclear if Lavery's death was the result of foul play. Deputies also say they're trying to figure out why she was on the property near the creek.
Anyone who may have information about Lavery's death or details that can help in the investigation is asked to call investigators at (828) 465-8340.
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