Local News

Man sought for questioning in Cumberland death

Sheriff's detectives say they have want to question a man in connection with a suspicious death that happened over the weekend.

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Charles Michael Gainey II
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Cumberland County detectives are investigating a suspicious death that happened near Fayetteville over the weekend.

Clarence Bauer, 79, of 348 Star Lane, was found dead in his home shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday.

A friend, who came to the home after failing to reach Bauer, discovered the body.

Bauer’s 2004 white Ford Focus is also reported missing.

The cause of death is unknown. Detectives are awaiting the outcome of an autopsy by the medical examiner in Chapel Hill.

Detectives say they want to question Charles Michael Gainey II. The 34-year-old's last known address was 1200 Cannon Road in Fayetteville.

Gainey is a white man, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes and has identifying tattoos on his arms. On the left arm is the number “3” and the words “Game Over.” On the right arm, the words “Thug Life” are tattooed.

Gainey, who was released from prison earlier this year, is known to frequent the Eastern Boulevard and Massey Hill areas.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Gainey is asked to call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 910-323-1500.

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