The death of 12-year-old Billy Huddleston has upset not only his family and neighbors in little Oakboro, but also anyone who has followed the story and waited for a better outcome.
And everyone wants more answers.
Authorities have played the facts of this case very close to the chest, but this much is known: Billy disappeared Tuesday afternoon after going for a bike ride in Oakboro and being seen getting into a car with two men he apparently knew. His body was found in nearby Union County late Friday. Preliminary autopsy results proved only his identification. A cause of death has not been released. No obvious trauma marks were on his body, it has been reported.
The public safety and fear issues raised by this case make a thorough investigation —and informed disclosure —imperative. The families of Oakboro and surrounding Stanly County are afraid to let their children out of their sight. Billy’s disappearance and death are a rude reminder that the days of summer no longer stretch out innocent and carefree. Danger lurks around the corner. But which corner is it, and what type of danger should we be looking for?
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