KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Nearly four years after Angela Jamarica Burris went missing, she has been identified as a person found dead in 2022, according to the Kings Mountain Police Department.
Then 36-year-old Burris was last seen on April 19, 2021, getting into a dark passenger vehicle near her home on Lake Montonia Road in Kings Mountain. She was thought to have a duffle bag and teddy bear with her. Burris was reported missing nine days later.
In August 2024, several law enforcement agencies gathered to search about 20 acres of woods looking for Burris in Gaston County near the Cleveland County line.
“Although it’s been over three years since Angela Burris was last seen, we have not given up on finding her and bringing closure to her family,” Kings Mountain Police said at the time.
“It’s been pretty tough. I think about her almost every day; to be honest, whenever I’m having a hard day, I’m wishing I could talk to her about it and when I get upset, I’m crying because I miss her,” Katira Burris, Angela Burris’ daughter, told QCN.
Police say they found out on February 25, 2025, that unidentified human remains found in Gaston County on April 22, 2022, were in fact Burris. DNA analysis confirmed that Burris was the woman found and her family was told the news on March 17, 2025.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the Burris family during this incredibly difficult time,” said KMPD.
In September 2024, KMPD detectives and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents discovered some “distinctive features” of the person found dead matched Burris and the DNA analysis was requested.
This investigation was a collaboration between Kings Mountain Police, SBI and Gastonia Police.
At this time, police say they do not suspect foul play; however, they are seeking information on what led up to Burris’s passing.
Anyone with information is asked to call KMPD at 704-734-0444. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through the Cleveland County Crime Stoppers P3 app, by calling 704-481-TIPS (8477) or scanning the below QR code.
