BOONE, NC (WBTV) - Saturday afternoon, investigators confirmed a body found in the Frances Marion National Forest Friday afternoon belongs to Dara Watson. The 30 year old has been missing since February 6. Her burned out car was found a day later in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Investigators suspended their search for Watson Friday, after her cell phone was discovered in a pond Thursday.
At Saturday's press conference, investigators said Watson was killed with a gunshot to the head, and then buried in a shallow grave. They believe her fiance, David Hedrick, is responsible. He killed himself in the couple's home after Watson was reported missing.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Watsonatta Western World downtown to show support for the Watson family Friday evening.
"As things began to unfold it became more and more unbelievable," Watson's high school friend Mandy Southern said.
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Southern says the last time she spoke to Watson, Watson was telling her she was engaged. "She was really happy with him so that's made it so much harder."
"My prayer this morning was they have closure..that they find her body if they couldn't find her safe..because I can't imagine being a parent and wondering where your child is," Family friend Teresa Campbell said.
The crowd left messages of encouragement and hope to the family. Some taped signs to the store windows. Folks say this is not unusual for the small town to come together in a time of need.
"Keep supporting this family..this journey we're only half way through it," Pastor Reggie Hunt said.
Hunt says Mr. Watson headed down to SC to be with his wife Friday. The pastor says the family is grateful for the support from people in both North and South Carolina.
A vigil was also held in Mount Pleasant Friday night.
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