Missing Virginia Woman’s Body Discovered 300 Miles Away Behind Church

Ashanti Billie (FBI)

The body of a missing woman has been found weeks after she went missing from a military base in Virginia, officials said.

Ashanti Billie was found dead about 300 miles away behind a church in Charlotte, North Carolina, authorities said Saturday, Sept. 30, according to CNN. A landscaping crew discovered her remains behind some boulders in the back of the property, WSOC-TV reported.

“It is with deep regret that I inform the community that Ashanti Billie has been located, deceased, in Charlotte, North Carolina,” said Martin Culbreth, who is the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk division, as reported by CNN. “I, along with the entire investigative team, offer our most sincere condolences to the Billie family, especially Ashanti’s parents Brandy and Tony. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

The 19-year-old has been missing since Sept. 18 when she didn’t show up for work at the Blimpie sandwich shop on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Norfolk, Virginia, or for culinary classes. Police found her cellphone in a dumpster and later found her car, the FBI reported.

Billie’s mother spoke out when she learned of the news.

“To the person or persons that decided they wanted to take our baby away from us and away from everyone that loved her, you’re a coward,” said Brandy Billie, according to WSOC. “You don’t deserve to breathe the air that she breathed at all.”

Rev. Michael McLean said that he wouldn’t be surprised if there was criminal activity involved in her death and disappearance.

“Unfortunately, there is a lot of crime in this area. As a community we want to address these issues,” McLean said.