Man in Custody for Theft and Drug Charges Now Charged with Murder in North Carolina

A 42-year-old individual who was previously jailed for theft of a vehicle and drug offenses now faces a murder accusation after law enforcement officials discovered a 55-gallon barrel on their property that contains solidified concrete and the chopped-up body of a man who was last spotted on December 24th.

Jackie Lamar Bright (Photo: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

On the evening of January 6, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina conducted a warrant search of 42-year-old Jackie Lamar Bright’s property. The search turned up a stolen all-terrain vehicle, as well as a significant amount of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. Bright was also in possession of drug paraphernalia, leading to additional charges.

A few days later, on January 11, Bright was arrested during a traffic stop for violating his parole. However, the real shock came when authorities discovered a sealed 55-gallon barrel on the property, containing the dismembered remains of a man named Michael Bradley Cox. Cox was last seen on Christmas Eve and was reported missing by his family.

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Following the discovery of the body, Bright was charged with one count of murder in the death of Cox. The motive for the murder remains unknown, and authorities have not yet revealed the connection between Bright and Cox. However, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office described Bright as having an extensive criminal history.  The same incident was also reported by ABC 11 and News Channel 3.

The discovery of the dismembered body in a barrel is a horrific and gruesome event that has shocked the local community. The authorities are working tirelessly to gather evidence and piece together the events that led to Cox’s death. Meanwhile, Bright remains in custody and will face a murder trial in the coming months. The case has drawn the attention of media outlets and local residents, who are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial and the motive behind the murder.

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