CHINA GROVE, NC – In a chilling incident in China Grove, North Carolina, a groundskeeper unknowingly worked around the lifeless body of a man, mistaking it for a Halloween prop. The deceased, 34-year-old Robert Owens, was last seen by his kin on October 8. His body was found two days later, half-dressed and face down in the yard of a deserted house.
Owens’ family has labeled his death as “suspicious” on a GoFundMe page created to fund his funeral expenses. They voiced their desire for answers and justice for all those involved. The page, managed by Haley Reavis, outlined the grim circumstances of Owens’ demise, stating that he was found devoid of his clothes and personal items, left in his underwear and socks for over a day.
Reavis also shared that a lawn care worker had initially found Owens on October 9 but did not report it to authorities, assuming the body was a Halloween prop or a mannequin used for K9 training.
However, China Grove Police Chief Andrew Deal disputed these claims. He stated that while the groundskeeper did not believe the body was a Halloween prop, he also did not think it was real. The police have classified Owens’ death as suspicious, but have not found any signs of foul play.
On October 10, a construction foreman noticed Owens’ body and informed the authorities. Reavis, in a post on the GoFundMe page, mentioned that evidence has been submitted to the detective and warned anyone involved that they would soon face retribution.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact the China Grove Police Department or email Detective C. Frantz.