The body of a North Carolina man found in an abandoned log cabin was initially believed to be a mannequin used by police, authorities said Tuesday.
China Grove police identified the victim as Robert Owens, 34, in a news release. Authorities said Owens was found dead at a residence in China Grove on Oct. 10.
As the police announced, during the investigation it was found out that a day earlier the body was seen by a tenant while he was mowing the property.
“However, the groundskeeper stated, he believed the body to be a fake mannequin used by numerous law enforcement agencies for training on the property over the past several years and did not report it,” police said in a statement.
Another worker on the property notified police about the body on Oct. 10, authorities added.
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China Grove police added that an autopsy was performed in Raleigh, and preliminary findings ruled out any signs of assault or trauma to the body. They also said they are awaiting a toxicology report to determine Owens’ cause of death.
Owens was found face down in the grass with little clothing on, Fox affiliate WJZY-TV reported.
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“I don’t know how you can do that,” said Haley Shue, Owens’ sister, after hearing the property worker thought the body was a doll. “You’re mowing right next to someone and assuming they’re Halloween decorations in a house where no one lives.”
“I don’t know how they mistook it for a Halloween decoration or a doll,” the victim’s mother, Brenda Bostian, told CW affiliate WCCB TV. “He’s obviously human.”
Shue said a construction worker on the property told the family that Owens “had cuts and scrapes on his arms like defensive wounds, according to him,” according to WJZY.
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Authorities, who are investigating the death, previously said there were no signs of foul play, according to both local media outlets. The family questioned it.
“It has to be,” Shue told WCCB. “He didn’t end up here in socks and underwear face down.”
“We will get justice, you will be caught,” Bostian added.
Shue said her brother was loved by his nephews and nieces.
“He just bought my son a jacket and he didn’t even get a chance to give it to him,” she said, according to WJZY. “We want answers.”
A GoFundMe was created to pay for Owens’ funeral expenses.
“Robert, we all love you and miss you so much,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “Went to[o] soon, but you will never be forgotten. Your demon you fought here on Earth is over, rest in peace bubby I love you.”
PEOPLE has contacted the GoFundMe organizer for additional information.
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Source: HIS Education