NORTH CAROLINA (LOOTPRESS) – Human remains found cut up inside a barrel filled with concrete have been identified as a missing North Carolina man.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a search warrant at a home in Sanford, NC, and a connecting parcel of land. The property and home belong to Jackie Lamar Bright, 42, about 40 miles outside Raleigh, NC. During the search, deputies found a 55-gallon barrel in a heavily wooded area that contained concrete and suspected human remains.
The North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office removed the concrete and discovered a dismembered body inside. The remains belonged to Michael Bradley Cox, 40, who was reported missing on January 5 but had not been seen since Christmas.
Deputies have not released a motive but noted that Jackie Bright has a very extensive criminal history and was released from prison in May of 2022. Bright was on parole on unrelated charges of possessing a stolen vehicle and controlled substance. He was arrested on those charges and bonded out but was rearrested on January 11, 2023, for violating parole and drug possession.
Bright has been charged with the murder of Micahel Cox.
This investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
The Sheriff of Lee County said, “I would like to thank Lee County Emergency Services, Moore County Emergency Services, Deep River Fire Department, Cypress Point Search and Rescue Dive Team, the North Carolina SBI, NC Trooper Association K9 unit, NC K9 ERT, Sanford Public Works, Moore County Public Works, and the dedication of the men and women of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work. I would also like to extend my condolences and prayers to the family of Michael Bradley Cox.”
