Officials believe car pulled from lake solves 40-year-old case

On Tuesday (July 21) Investigators with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations along with the assistance of the North Catawba Fire and Rescue conducted a vehicle recovery operation at the Lake Rhodhiss Boat Access on Waterworks Road. They used sonar technology and found Shook’s 1968 Pontiac Catalina 30 feet underwater, with what are believed to be his remains inside.

Authorities say the auto matches one that was reported missing in February 1972. The remains are being sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy and identification. Investigators don’t believe it was suicide and don’t suspect foul play.

“We take a serious approach to all cases reported to the sheriff’s office and never consider a case closed until the truth is known”, commented Sheriff Alan Jones.

“They probably dragged that lake back then looking for him, but now we have sonar”, Jones said. Reportedly, investigators reopened the cold case into the man’s disappearance after Shook’s daughter went to detectives last month and requested that they take a closer look. Pending those results, Jones said the case will be considered closed.

Investigators don’t know how the auto ended up in Lake Rhodhiss.

Inside the vehicle that is rusted, muddy and still wet, was Shook’s wallet.

DEVELOPING: Human remains were found inside a auto which was reported missing more than 40 years ago.