Local News
Possible Human Remains Discovered on Poors Ford Road Belong to Missing Rutherford County Man Ricky James Watson
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that possible human remains discovered on Poors Ford Road may belong to missing person Ricky James Watson, who was reported missing in June 2025.
On October 14, 2025, deputies were dispatched to the 2700 block of Poors Ford Road after receiving a report of a possible human bone found in the area.
Upon arrival, investigators examined the item and determined that the bone — believed to be a femur — appears to be human based on preliminary observations.
The following day, October 15, Sheriff’s Office personnel, assisted by additional resources, conducted a comprehensive search of the surrounding area in an effort to locate any additional remains or evidence connected to the discovery.
The bone has since been turned over to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office for further forensic analysis and official identification.
Authorities have confirmed that this discovery may be connected to the ongoing missing person investigation involving 55-year-old Ricky James Watson, who was last seen in June 2025 in the Shiloh area of Rutherford County.
Watson was reported missing on June 24, and an Endangered Alert was issued by the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons the previous day.
Since his disappearance, investigators have utilized multiple search resources, including ground units, K9 teams, and aerial support, to comb areas near Watson’s home and his last known location at 2818 Poors Ford Road.
Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Watson had been found until this recent development.
The Sheriff’s Office has been in direct contact with Watson’s family regarding the discovery and continues to pursue all leads as the case remains active.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Ricky James Watson’s disappearance or the recent discovery to come forward.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 828-286-2911, or anonymous tips may be submitted through Rutherford County CrimeStoppers at 828-286-TIPS or via the RCSO mobile app.
Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided once the Medical Examiner’s Office completes its evaluation and confirms the identity of the remains.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.