Update to Original 1/22/2025 Press Release
Following notification of family members, the City of Lenoir Police Department can release the
following information:
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, investigators from the City of Lenoir Police Department
received confirmation from the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner’s Office regarding the
identity of human remains found in Lenoir on January 21, 2025. The person found was
identified using medical records as Jeffery Beach Laxton, a 59-year-old white male from
Taylorsville, North Carolina. Jeffery was reported missing by a family member in Alexander
County, NC, on August 22, 2024. At this point in the investigation, no evidence of foul play has
been discovered.
No further information related to this incident is available for release at this time. Anyone that
may have had contact with Jefferey Laxton following his disappearance from Alexander County
on August 22, 2024 is encouraged to contact the City of Lenoir Police Department at (828) 757-
2100 or Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at (828) 758-8300.
Original Press Release 01/25/2025
On the afternoon of January 21, 2025, the Lenoir Police Department was notified of the
discovery of human remains in a wooded area behind the property located at 1023 Morganton
Blvd., Lenoir North Carolina.
Investigators from the Lenoir Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State
Bureau of Investigation, began processing the scene that evening and continued their efforts into
the night. A follow-up search of the area was conducted on January 22, 2025, during daylight
hours to ensure a thorough examination of the scene.
As with any investigation involving human remains, a full autopsy and DNA analysis are critical
steps in identifying the deceased and determining the cause of death. These procedures are
currently underway while investigators continue their on-the-ground efforts. Updates regarding
identification and cause of death will be provided as they become available.
This investigation remains ongoing. The City of Lenoir Police Department urges anyone with
information related to this case or any other crime to contact the department at (828) 757-2100 or
leave an anonymous tip at Lenoir/Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at (828) 758-8300.