N.C. man arrested after his missing girlfriend's body is found near cemetery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TCD) -- A 51-year-old man was arrested after his girlfriend's body was found behind a cemetery over one month after she went missing.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Allisha Watts, 39, was last seen July 16 leaving a home on Pamela Lorriane Drive and driving in her black Mercedes GLC 300. Police located the car two days later, but she was still nowhere to be found.

The criminal complaint cited by WJZY-TV says Watts and her boyfriend, James Dunmore, were supposed to attend a comedy show at Bojangles Coliseum July 16. Watts also failed to show up for work after that night. She was reported missing July 19, but on July 18, police found Watts' car in the Anson County DMV parking lot with Dunmore inside and "the victim of an apparent suicide attempt."

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the Moore County Sheriff's Office released a statement saying Watts' case was "no longer considered a missing person investigation and has transitioned into a homicide investigation." Around the same time, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office announced they "believe the remains of Allisha Watts have been located."

Then, on Friday, Aug. 25, Montgomery County investigators arrested Dunmore on suspicion of murder. He is being held without bond and will appear in court on Monday, Aug. 28.

According to WBTV-TV, officials believe Dunmore allegedly killed Watts on July 16. Investigators discovered her body behind the Norman Community Cemetery on Cemetery Road.

WJZY reports Dunmore has previously been charged with assault, battery, stalking, and abduction. He even served time for third offense assault and battery. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to stalking.

MORE:

• From the desk of Sheriff Ronnie Fields - Moore County Sheriff's Office
• James Dunmore Arrest - Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
• We believe the remains of Allisha Watts have been located - Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
• Case Update - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
• Warrants reveal disturbing new details as search for Allisha Watts enters week 3, 8/1/2023 - WJZY
• Warrant: Allisha Watts murdered on day she was last seen; boyfriend charged - WBTV