Latest news with #McCuiston
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Gruesome discovery sparks search for the remains of 77-year-old Richmond County woman
RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A gruesome discovery in Rockingham led searchers from across the state to descend on Richmond County Wednesday. 77-year-old Linda McCuiston was reported missing in October, but in the last couple of weeks, a homeowner got a shocking surprise that made crews search for more answers. A couple of weeks ago detectives say a pet dog brought a human skull to its owner's house. On Monday, investigators confirmed those were the remains of McCuiston. The terrain is tough. 'I would say two or three miles back through the woods,' said Barbara Gaddy, McCuiston's neighbor. The story is even tougher. 'It was really a shock for her to wander off this street,' said Gaddy. McCuiston loved her walks around the neighborhood. 'A time or two she was at the Christmas gathering and all, and I've known her for near 40 years,' said Gaddy. McCuiston was like family to Gaddy. 'She would get out and walk she would go to my daughter's house next door,' said Gaddy. Doris Sears spotted McCuiston on October 11. 'When I first saw her, she was standing over there and then she walked slow and got up under this tree,' said Sears. Sears was worried. Human remains found nearly 3 years ago finally identified as missing Kings Mountain woman 'I called 911 and asked them to come check on her because she acted like she might be confused,' said Sears. McCuiston never returned home. 'That was the last time I saw her,' said Sears. She was missing for months. 'We were all shocked and felt bad about it but she did have dementia bad,' said Gaddy. Investigators aren't giving up. 'Just made me feel so sad,' said Sears. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area 🚨 >> After a pet dog found McCuiston's skull a couple of weeks ago, searchers were back out Wednesday. 'I don't know it just really hurts my heart,' said Sears. Friends are grateful that people who didn't even know McCuiston are still searching. 'I thank the Lord because we all had been praying that she would be found so there'd be closure for everybody,' said Gaddy. Investigators do not think McCuiston's death is suspicious. They were also set to search for a missing man, Dennis Bailey, on Wednesday. He's been missing since December, but detectives say the terrain for McCuiston's search Wednesday made it difficult and slowed them down, so they're working to find another day to search for Bailey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Human remains found identified as missing Rockingham woman following months-long search
RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Human remains found last week have been identified as a 77-year-old Rockingham woman who had been missing since October 2024. Richmond County deputies found the remains in the Meadow Wood Community of Richmond County. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the remains belonged to Linda McCuiston. PREVIOUS | 'Unfortunately, this is not the outcome we had hoped for,' Sheriff Mark Gulledge said. Mrs. McCuiston's family reported her missing on October 11. Richmond County deputies and local first responders conducted search efforts in the area after being notified, both on the ground and in the air. A second Missing Endangered Alert was issued for McCuiston, who was believed to be suffering from a cognitive impairment, according to the N.C. Center for Missing Persons. 'Criminal investigators have devoted countless hours and resources to the investigation and will persist in seeking answers regarding her disappearance,' said Sheriff Gulledge. Officials have not said if they suspect foul play or what caused McCuiston's death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
