Mom’s Dog Finds Bone, Then More Skeletal Remains Uncovered. Police Say They May Be Linked to Her Missing Son

Remains Discovered in Proximity Within Days May Be Connected to Missing Individual

In a recent discovery, human remains were found in quick succession in the vicinity of Poors Ford Road in Ruthfordton, North Carolina. Authorities suspect a potential link to the disappearance of Ricky Watson, who went missing back in June 2025.

The search began on October 14 when human remains were initially unearthed in the area. Over the course of the following days, further remains were discovered, leading investigators to consider the possibility of a connection to the case of Ricky Watson, who was last seen five months ago.

Patricia Upton, the mother of Ricky Watson, expressed the distressing nature of the situation, stating, “Finding bones in the yard, that I think might be my son, that’s a horrible thing.” The developments have brought renewed attention to the missing person’s case, shedding light on a potentially tragic outcome.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office had issued appeals for information regarding Ricky Watson, aged 55, following his disappearance in the Shiloh area of Rutherford County. The subsequent findings of skeletal remains in the vicinity have reignited efforts to solve the mystery surrounding Watson’s whereabouts.

The investigative team from the sheriff’s office conducted an extensive search in a wooded area near Poors Ford Road, close to the location where Watson was last seen. The discoveries of human skeletal remains have prompted authorities to send the findings to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for further analysis and identification.

As the investigation unfolds, the community anxiously awaits any updates regarding the potential connection between the discovered remains and the missing person case. The developments in recent days have brought both hope for closure and a sense of somber reflection on the uncertainties surrounding missing individuals.

Family members and loved ones of Watson have expressed a mix of emotions in response to the recent developments. Patricia Upton’s account of finding the bone on her property and her fond memories of her son paints a poignant picture of a family grappling with the unknown fate of a cherished family member.

While authorities have not indicated foul play in the case thus far, the search for answers continues as the investigation progresses. The sheriff’s office has extended their thoughts and prayers to the family during this challenging period, underscoring the importance of community support in times of uncertainty and distress.

The evolving nature of the investigation underscores the complexities involved in missing person cases and the profound impact they have on families and communities. As the search for answers continues, the community remains hopeful for resolution and closure in the case of Ricky Watson’s disappearance.

In conclusion, the recent discoveries of human remains in Ruthfordton have reignited interest in the missing person case of Ricky Watson. The potential link between the remains and the disappearance has prompted a focused investigation by authorities, bringing both hope and heartache to those involved in the search for answers. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses.