Harnett County family stunned after missing dad, grandfather found dead in Erwin in possible homicide

Rodney Overton
·2 min read

DUNN, N.C. (WNCN) — A Harnett County family is struggling after officials believe someone killed their missing husband, father and grandfather — leaving his body in a pond near a high school last week.

Jimmy Ray Matthews, 55, vanished on April 8, the day of one of his son’s birthdays, according to deputies and son Dillon Matthews, who organized searches for his dad while he was missing.

Jimmy Matthews’ family reported him missing from his Jarvis Lane home near Dunn on April 11, the Harnett County sheriff’s office said.

Four days later, the Matthews family — a wife, two sons and two young granddaughters — had their worst fears come true.

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On April 15 just before 6 p.m., the Erwin Police Department found a body in a pond at 495 Maynard Lake Road about a block from Triton High School and just over a mile from Matthews’ home.

Jimmy Ray Matthews (left) with his wife and two granddaughters. Photo courtesy: Dillon Matthews
Jimmy Ray Matthews (left) with his wife and two granddaughters. Photo courtesy: Dillon Matthews

The body was identified as Jimmy Ray Matthews and deputies had more devastating news — investigators believe Matthews was killed.

Son Dillon Matthews confirmed to CBS 17 Saturday that police are still pursuing a homicide investigation.

The family was shocked not only that Jimmy Matthews vanished and died, but that he was killed by someone.

“You did not deserve this. Nobody deserves that. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please,” Dillon wrote on Facebook with a photo of his father and one of his granddaughters. “Thank you to EVERYONE who helped share and search for him.”

Jimmy Ray Matthews (left). Matthews (right) with his wife, a granddaughter and son Dillon Matthews. Photos courtesy: Dillon Matthews
Jimmy Ray Matthews (left). Matthews (right) with his wife, a granddaughter and son Dillon Matthews. Photos courtesy: Dillon Matthews

The family is now having to deal with the tragic loss but also having to pay for an unexpected funeral.

“Something I would never have thought my family would have to deal with but the passing of my dad was very unexpected and so sudden,” Dillon said.

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A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Matthews family pay for the services.

Deputies said anyone with information about the case should call the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (910) 893-0140 or the tip line at (910) 893-0300.

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