SMITHFIELD (AP) — The body of a missing North Carolina woman has been found inside her wrecked car, days after it was ordered towed to an impound lot by the state Highway Patrol.
Carolyn Ann Watkins was reported missing Monday, three days after her crashed 2000 Pontiac was discovered in a ditch off Swift Creek Road near Smithfield. An accident report filed Friday by Trooper Marlon Williams mistakenly indicated that no driver was at the scene.
The patrol had a local towing company move the car to its lot for storage, where it remained with the 62-year-old Clayton woman inside until her body was found inside late Monday. It is not yet clear when Watkins died.
Public Safety Commissioner Frank Perry has promised a thorough investigation. Williams has been placed on paid leave.