COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- There's still no word on the identity of the second woman found dead in a shed behind a home in Bolton Monday evening.
Investigators said two bodies were found behind a home in the in the 2300 block of Blacksmith Road in Bolton when following up on a missing persons report filed earlier in the day. They say family members told them they have not seen Jeanette Nancy Thut, 74, since October 24.
Officials said one of the two victims has been identified as Donna Gore, 55.
Mayor Shawn Maynor said he's hopeful that the Sheriff's Department will find an answer.
"Crimes are usually minimal and we haven't had a murder like this in years. Hoping we would never have something like this," Maynor said.
Bolton residents are also trying to cope with the incident.
"Some many things going on now in the world. You just have to be careful, and one would never think that something like this would happen in your neighborhood," Rodney Colson said.
"How everyone knows everyone, everyone is kind of in everyone's business just a little bit. You would think a murder wouldn't happen. The idea of someone getting murdered escapes your mind," Daniel McNar said.
Both residents and Nancy Merritt, Thut's daughter, think her mom is the other victim. Merritt added she saw her mother a couple of weeks ago and her mother visits people all the time. Merritt and neighbors described Thut as a nice and giving person.
Deputies say foul play is suspected. They add that persons of interest are being sought for questioning.
An autopsy was performed Tuesday on both of the victims, but the cause of death has not been released.
"I pray that justice will come and that the family will be all right," Colson said.
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