Person of interest identified in Fayetteville missing person case

Investigators are searching for a 44-year-old man in connection with the disappearance of a Fayetteville woman.

Reginald McDowell, 44, of 4272 Gore Ave. in Fayetteville, was identified by police in surveillance video as the man running towards an apartment building where Meta Price Valentine lived.

Valentine, 41, has been missing since October 29. McDowell is Valentine's on again-off again boyfriend and the father of one of her three children. The pair have known each other since high school.

"He was cooperative in the early portions of the investigation but has since distanced himself from speaking with (Fayetteville police) detective Ballad," Fayetteville police Lt. James Nolette said.

The video showed Valentine walking to her apartment, followed by a black male running behind her towards the same building.

Investigators believe McDowell, a person of interest in Valentine’s disappearance, may have left Fayetteville.

Valentine's family pleaded for help from the public.

"Everyday since Oct. 29th, I've sat and seen my family struggle to cope and deal with the situation," said Demario Valentine, a son.

Family members said they struggled through Thanksgiving without her.

"I am pleading with the person or persons that have my sister, please bless us on Christmas Day by returning my sister," said 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Valentine or McDowell is asked to contact Det. M. Ballard at (910) 549-7326 or CrimeStoppers at (910) 483-TIPS, through their online tip sheet or by texting 274637 (in the text box type '4Tip' followed by your message).