By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The body of a man missing since October has been found in an abandoned house after a neighbor spotted it.

Rowan County authorities believe the man died of a drug overdose.

Richard Dale Howie, 49, a native of Salisbury, had been reported missing to police on Oct. 18. He was last in touch with his mother, Hannah Howie, earlier in the month. He had not spoken to or been seen by his mother since about Oct. 4.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, a neighbor walking about 12:30 p.m. Sunday saw they body on the floor of the home at 312 Crowder Dixon Road, off Bringle Ferry Ferry Road. The neighbor called authorities.

Officials said evidence at the scene led them to believe Howie’s death was the result of an overdose. However, investigators will await confirmation from the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office to release autopsy details.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.