Human remains found at North Carolina quarry identified as man missing since 2020; homicide investigation underway

REIDSVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Human remains recovered from a North Carolina rock quarry have been identified as a man reported missing nearly seven years ago, and police are now investigating his death as a homicide.

The Reidsville Police Department announced that the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory positively identified the remains as Ronald Deon Washington, who was reported missing by his family in January 2020.

Investigators recovered human remains from the Ruffin Rock Quarry during two separate operations on April 8 and June 1, 2026.

Forensic testing confirmed that all remains recovered during both searches belonged to Washington.

Police said Washington’s family has been notified of the identification.

Based on information gathered during the investigation, authorities have reclassified Washington’s missing person case as a homicide investigation.

The Reidsville Police Department is working alongside the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to determine what happened.

Investigators believe people in the community may have information that could help solve the case and are encouraging anyone with knowledge of Washington’s disappearance or death to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Lingle with the Reidsville Police Department at 336-347-2338 or Detective Short with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at 336-634-3232.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting ROCOTIPS to 738477. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.

Authorities have not released additional details about the cause or manner of Washington’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing.