Investigators search Long View home for possible human remains

LONG VIEW, N.C. — A developing investigation is underway Tuesday in Catawba County, where police and State Bureau of Investigation agents are searching a home on Seventh Avenue Southwest in Long View after receiving a tip that human remains may be buried beneath the residence.

Channel 9 has learned investigators used a cadaver dog at the property and are now looking beneath the home for possible human remains.

According to court documents, police received a tip last week alleging that a person who previously lived at the home buried at least one person in the crawl space about 18 years ago.

On Tuesday morning, Channel 9’s Dave Faherty saw SBI agents inside the crawl space after removing HVAC ductwork to gain access to the area.

SBI agents removed buckets of dirt from the crawl space and sifted through that dirt in the yard.

Police confirmed a cadaver dog was used at the residence Monday afternoon, and crime scene tape has surrounded the home for nearly 24 hours.

Court documents state the tip indicated that two bodies were buried beneath a bedroom in the home and covered with lime.

Earlier Tuesday, Channel 9 spoke with a woman who was living at the home when investigators arrived.

“I’m curious to know. I mean, I want to know. That’s all I’m going to say. I’ve heard stories about it, and someone called in, and here we are,” resident Suzetta Hawn said.

About a dozen state and local law enforcement officers were at the home Tuesday.

Police are expected to release additional details about the investigation later Tuesday afternoon.

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The chief says there is more work, and they could return to the home on Wednesday.

“It’s crazy, but the way the world is going today, it’s not unexpected,” said a neighbor, Ashley Anisworth.

Neighbors hope police get some answers in the case.

“It’s terrible that it happens in a neighborhood like this,” said Donnie Holman, a neighbor. “We try to make it a nice place, but it happens everywhere.”

In the court documents, there were some possible names of the victims, but Channel 9 is not sharing those now until the police investigation is completed.

Authorities ask residents and motorists to avoid the area. There is no threat to the public.