Body of missing man found

BAKERSVILLE – A man reported missing Oct. 2 was found dead this past Friday in a shallow grave off Fred Sparks Road in Bakersville.

The body of Joshua Emmanuel Buchanan, 26, of Bakersville, was discovered the evening of Friday, Oct. 7. Buchanan’s family reported him missing Oct. 2 after he had not been seen or heard from since Sept. 22.

Warrants were issued for the arrest of Travis Bowman and Felicia Fox for first-degree kidnapping in connection with Buchanan’s disappearance. 

Mitchell County Sheriff Donald Street said Bowman and Fox fled to Georgia, but were arrested by authorities in Georgia Monday and will be returned to Mitchell County.

After Buchanan was reported missing, Street said his department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation received reports that foul play may have been involved in Buchanan’s disappearance.

The MCSO and the SBI got the information Friday, Oct. 7, of a possible shallow grave located off Fred Sparks Road. 

“The body was located and has been sent for a autopsy for positive identification,” Street said. “At this time it is believed to be that of Mr. Buchanan’s.” 

Bowman is in the custody of Haralson County Georgia Sheriff’s Office and Fox is in the custody of Polk County Georgia Sheriff’s Office. 

Street said both individuals could face additional charges related to the death of Buchanan.