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KELFORD – Skeletal remains found here March 1 have been identified as a Bertie County man reported missing since June 21, 2022.

The cause of death has not been determined and the case is being investigated as a homicide.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the remains, which were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, were those of Kendrick Maurice Williams. Ruffin said that Williams, age 38, was reported missing in the vicinity of his residence, 430 G Governors Road (NC 308), Windsor.

A fire that destroyed the home where Williams’ remains were found also occurred on the same day he was reported missing. That home – which was in foreclosure and vacant at the time of the fire – is located at 107 Second Street, Kelford.

It was on that property on March 1 where a person cleaning debris from the home discovered the skeletal remains and immediately contacted the Bertie Sheriff’s Office, Ruffin said.

The Sheriff added that the next of kin has been notified and that “the Williams family is in our thoughts and prayers.”