Authorities find human remains found in car after 43 years

The auto matched the description of the vehicle belonging to a man who was reported missing to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office on February 19, 1972. Shook was in his early 40s when he was reported missing in 1972, WSOC reports.

Police used advanced sonar technology to locate the vehicle.

Lake Rhodhiss is about 75 miles northwest of Charlotte. He said there were no signs of foul play so far.

The mud-filled auto is estimated to have been in the water for at least 40 years, officials say. Detectives believe the remains are Shook’s but the remains will be transferred to the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy and identification. Authorities are hoping to gain more information about this case after thoroughly examining all of the evidence that was found inside the auto.

A local recovery operation retrieved a Green 1969 Pontiac Catalina from the Lake Rhodhiss boat ramp.