Decades-Old Cold Case Linked to Human Remains and Car Found in North Carolina Creek

In a significant breakthrough, authorities in North Carolina have discovered human remains and a car submerged in a creek, which are believed to be connected to a decades-old cold case. The case dates back to 1982 when three men mysteriously disappeared after leaving a bar in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

The missing individuals have been identified as William Clifton, 30, David McMicken, 24, and Michael Norman, 32. All three were last seen driving a 1975 Chevrolet Camaro, which has now been found in Washington, North Carolina. The submerged vehicle was in such a state of disrepair that it was initially difficult to even recognize it as a car, according to Sidney Dive Team Captain John Scott Rose Jr.

The investigation was triggered by Jason Sourada, a man from Myrtle Beach, who privately began searching the area after learning about the cold case. Sourada discovered that the creek could potentially be along the route the missing men would have taken and deployed a remote-controlled solar boat to investigate further. Sonar footage collected by the boat showed the presence of a possible vehicle underwater.

On February 9, a car axle was found, prompting authorities to pump water out of the creek to enhance the search for more evidence. After two full days, the car was finally retrieved from the water. Upon closer examination, the vehicle's VIN number was matched to the one reported missing in 1982, confirming that it belonged to one of the three missing men.

Inside the recovered car, investigators made a grisly discovery - human remains. However, the identity of these remains has yet to be established. Chief Phil L. Rollinson of the Washington Police Department revealed that DNA from the remains will be compared to DNA samples collected from known family members of Clifton, McMicken, and Norman. Despite awaiting confirmation, officials are confident that the remains belong to the three men who went missing all those years ago.

"This case has remained at the forefront of Beaufort County residents' minds since December 10, 1982, when it was initially investigated by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department," stated Chief Rollinson in a news release. "At this time, the Washington Police Department is confident that this vehicle and the recovered remains are those of the three Beaufort County men who have been missing since 1982: William Clifton, David McMicken, and Michael Norman."

The discovery of the car and human remains has brought some form of closure to a cold case that has haunted the community for nearly four decades. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope that the identification of the remains will provide answers and bring much-needed closure to the families of the missing men.