Body Found in Rural Area Believed to be Missing Woman; Boyfriend Charged with Murder
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a body discovered in a rural area near Candor on August 24, 2023, is believed to be that of Allisha Watts. Tragically, her boyfriend, James Dunmore, was arrested on the same day and charged with murder.
This shocking development follows a timeline of events that started when Dunmore was found unresponsive in Watts’ SUV on July 18. He initially claimed to be taking a nap, but when officers returned to the vehicle three hours later, they found him still unresponsive. Dunmore was taken to the hospital and later deemed unable to be questioned due to a medical condition.
Concern for Watts’ safety grew when her family and friends revealed that they had not seen or heard from her since July 16, when she was last seen with Dunmore in Charlotte. According to Watts’ friend, Learen Blue, the 39-year-old had traveled to Charlotte on July 14 to visit Dunmore in her black Mercedes SUV.
The day after the car was discovered, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department filed a missing persons report for Watts. In the weeks that followed, there were few updates on Dunmore’s status, with the Anson County Sheriff’s Office calling him a person of interest in Watts’ disappearance. On July 24, the CMPD announced that Watts’ car had been found, and on July 25, it was revealed that Dunmore had been found with the vehicle.
An extensive search ensued, with police officers seen searching Dunmore’s home on July 26. Finally, on August 24, a body was found in the area of Norman, a small town along Interstate 74, near the Richmond and Montgomery County line. Although the body has not yet been officially identified, law enforcement believes it to be the remains of Allisha Watts. Shortly after the discovery, Dunmore was taken into custody outside his home.
The case has generated significant public interest, highlighting the tragedy of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have. Earlier in the timeline, on May 23, a domestic violence order was filed against Dunmore in Durham County. The details surrounding this order are not yet clear, but it is an aspect that may be further explored as the investigation unfolds.
As the investigation continues and more information becomes available, the community hopes to find closure and justice for Allisha Watts. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with partnering law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent process.
The search for answers and the mourning for the loss of a loved one will undoubtedly be a difficult journey for family and friends of Allisha Watts. However, they can find solace in knowing that the legal process is underway and that the memory of their cherished friend will endure.
This tragic case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining awareness about domestic violence and supporting those who may be at risk. It also underscores the critical role that law enforcement agencies play in investigating such incidents to the fullest extent possible.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies involved in this case are to be commended for their dedication and commitment to seeking justice for Allisha Watts. Only time will reveal the true details of this heartbreaking tragedy, but for now, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young woman and hopes that her story will serve as a catalyst for change and increased awareness surrounding domestic violence.
