Case Description: On May 16, 2001, the decomposed body of Emma Jean Douglas was found in a wooded area off Osborne Road in Richmond County. An autopsy revealed that Mrs. Douglas had been shot multiple times.
Investigators found that a Missing Person's Report for Mrs. Douglas had been filed with the Sanford Police Department, on March 1, 2001. The report indicated that no one had spoken with Mrs. Douglas since February 18, 2001.
Investigators found the victim's car abandoned in a vacant lot across the street from the residence of Josephus Douglas (her estranged husband) located at 2647 Fayetteville Street in Sanford.
Despite being separated, Emma Jean Douglas would often spend time at the residence of Josephus Douglas. Mrs. Douglas was last seen alive at Josephus Douglas' residence in Sanford on February 17, 2001.
Prior to the victim's disappearance, Josephus Douglas had been arrested twice for physically assaulting Mrs. Douglas.
If you have information about this case or any unsolved case in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, (800) 334-3000.