Police ID body found in makeshift grave as missing Statesville man

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A body found in a makeshift grave in some woods in Statesville is D.J. Turner, who was reported missing earlier this month, police said.

An autopsy performed Thursday helped identify the 26-year-old. Police said Turner died from gunshot wounds.

Dozens of family members and friends started searching for Turner after they said he failed to call anyone back. His aunt, Tanza Turner, said they filed a missing persons report and fanned out across the city and tracked down every lead.

“He loved his daughter. He loved his daughter more than he loved himself. And his mom and his dad, sisters and brothers, his grandmothers. He called them on a daily basis. If you didn’t hear from D.J. you knew something was wrong,” Tanza said.

Investigators discovered Turner’s body Monday night after a tip led them to some woods on Mahogany Road. The makeshift grave was found about 100 yards from a man’s home. The homeowner asked Channel 9 not to show his face, but he said he’s hoping for answers in the case.

[PAST COVERAGE: Detectives investigating if body found in Statesville woods is missing man]

“It hurts me to know that it was so close to my home, and I’ll be glad when this whole thing is over. Because it really hurt me to know that this kid was laying back here so close to my home and we didn’t know this whole time,” the homeowner said.

Family members said since the body has been identified, it gives them some answers in the case and they can now begin the task of honoring him.

“It’s been a long and difficult time for all of us. It’s starting to really tear on us physically, mentally, emotionally,” said Tanza.

Family members said they want to thank the person who came forward and provided police with the location of Turner’s body.

Authorities said at this point the names of any suspects or persons of interests are not being released in order to protect the investigation.

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