Man's Body Found at Abandoned N.C. Home Was Mistaken for Mannequin: 'I Don’t Know How,' Says Mom

A groundskeeper told authorities that he thought the body of Robert Owens, 34, was a training dummy being used for law enforcement

GoFundMe

Robert Owens, whose body was found by authorities in China Grove, North Carolina

The body of a North Carolina man found at an abandoned log cabin was initially assumed 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 they found Owens deceased at a residence in China Grove dead on Oct. 10.

According to the police, during an investigation, it was learned that a groundskeeper saw the body the day before as he was mowing the property.

“However, the groundskeeper stated, he believed the body to be a fake dummy used for training by numerous law agencies on the property over the last few years and did not report it," said the police in their 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, with preliminary findings ruling out any signs of assault or trauma to the body. They also said they are awaiting a toxicology report to find the cause of Owens’ death.

Owens was found face down in grass, with little clothing on him, Fox affiliate WJZY-TV reported.

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“Don’t know how you can do that,” Haley Shue, Owens’ sister, told the outlet upon hearing that a worker on the property thought the body was a mannequin. “Mow right beside someone and assume that they’re Halloween decorations at a house no one lives at.”

“I don’t know how he was mistaken for a Halloween decoration or a mannequin,” the victim’s mother, Brenda Bostian, told CW affiliate WCCB TV. “He’s clearly a human."

Shue said that a construction worker on the property told the family that Owens “had cuts and scrapes on his arms like defensive wounds, his words,” per WJZY.

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Authorities, who are investigating the death, had earlier said there were no signs of foul play, according to both local media outlets. The family has questioned that.

“It has to be,” Shue told WCCB. “He didn’t end up here in his socks and underwear face down.”

“We will get justice, you will be caught,” Bostian added.

Shue said that her brother was loved by his nieces and nephews.

“He had just gotten my son a jacket, and he didn’t even have the chance to give it to him,” she said, WJZY reported. “We want answers.”

A GoFundMe was created to pay for Owens’ funeral costs.

“Robert we all love you and miss you dearly,” read the fundraiser’s description. “Gone to[o] soon but you will never be forgotten. Your demon you battled here on Earth is over, may you rest in peace bubby I love you.”

PEOPLE contacted the GoFundMe organizer for additional information.

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