After nearly nine years of unanswered questions, the heartbreaking case of Lee Anthony Funderburk missing since 2016, has finally seen a major development. On May 14, 2025, skeletal remains discovered in a vehicle at Leonard Salvage, a scrapyard in Davidson County, were positively identified as those of Funderburk—a Charlotte man who mysteriously vanished in March 2016.
Gruesome Discovery at Leonard Salvage
The remains were found by an employee of Leonard Salvage on Old US Highway 52 in Lexington, North Carolina while inspecting a vehicle recently delivered from Charlotte. The car was registered to Mattie Mae Funderburk, Lee’s mother. Authorities later confirmed the remains belonged to Lee Anthony Funderburk, missing since 2016, reigniting public interest in this long-cold case.
Lee Anthony Funderburk Missing Since 2016: A Mysterious Disappearance
Lee Anthony Funderburk, who was 44 years old at the time, was last seen alive on March 25, 2016, in Charlotte. His family reported him missing on May 31, 2016, after weeks of no contact. Despite efforts from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), no solid leads surfaced, and the case slowly faded from the spotlight.
Official Cause of Death: Homicide
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office has officially ruled Funderburk’s death a homicide. Investigators now believe that the killing did not happen in Davidson County, suggesting the body—and the vehicle—were transported to the scrapyard after his death. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina SBI have handed the case back to CMPD, which is now spearheading the homicide investigation.
CMPD Requests Public Assistance
Detectives are urgently requesting help from the public. Anyone with information regarding the Lee Anthony Funderburk case is asked to contact Detective James at 704-432-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
