CEDAR CREEK, N.C. — State Department of Transportation workers found a body near Highway 53 in the Cedar Creek area of Cumberland County. Investigators think it is a homicide.

The body, found on Bogie Island Road, was identified as Charles Milton Smith, 35, of 3734 Colonial Cove Road, Hope Mills. The cause of death had not been determined late Wednesday.

Investigators said a roadside crew was cutting grass along the shoulder of the road Tuesday and did not see anything suspicious. When they returned Wednesday to complete the job, they found a dead body in a ditch.

Investigators found a vehicle in the woods about a mile away from Smith's body. They also found a live pit bull inside the car.

Authorities said the car belonged to a relative of Smith.