Police in North Carolina believe they have found the remains of a woman who went missing after “dumpster diving” in a landfill.
Stephanie Cox, 30, was reported missing to police in Burlington on 30 January after she disappeared while “collecting items from a dumpster” behind the Alamance Crossing shopping centre, where her vehicle was found unattended.
Burlington Police determined the vehicle had not been reported as stolen. The force said in a statement: “At this time the investigation leads officers to believe that Cox is deceased. Foul play is not suspected.
“Cox is believed to have been attempting to collect items from a dumpster alone shortly after midnight on Thursday January 30th, 2020. It is believed Cox did not exit the dumpster prior to it being serviced at 1.47am.”
In an update on 3 February, police said they believed Ms Cox’s remains were transferred to Uwharrie Environmental landfill, about 70 miles (112 km) away from the shopping centre.
Officers also found CCTV footage showing Ms Cox arriving at the mall alone and no one else was seen on the property until a truck arrived to collect the dumpster.
“This case brings to light the dangers associated with collections from dumpster,” said police. “The commonly known practice of ‘dumpster diving’ is not safe.”
Remains believed to be Ms Cox’s were located in the landfill on Monday, and medical examiners are working to confirm the identification.
Burlington Police assistant chief Brian Long told CNN: “Other factors such as clothing have assisted in this process. We are confident that Ms Cox has been located.”
Amy Cooper, a friend of Ms Cox’s, organised a fundraiser to raise money towards Ms Cox’s funeral costs. She said: “Stephanie was a wonderful person. She had the best sense of humour and was always there with positive encouragement when her friends needed her.
“Wherever she is, she’s watching everyone pull together for her and I’m sure she is so proud.”
