Christopher Jesse Johnson, 33, was found dead in woods near the Walmart off U.S. 15-501 near the Chatham-Orange county line, close to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A hiker discovered his body on September 7, 2023, about 12 feet from a creek and near a small homeless encampment; personal items including his wristwatch, a shoe, and his shirt were scattered nearby.

An autopsy determined Johnson died from a gunshot wound to the head and a bullet was recovered during the exam, but no weapon or cartridges were located at the scene. Investigators estimate his body had been there about three weeks, producing advanced decomposition that complicated determining the exact circumstances. Johnson and his girlfriend, who were living in their car, had an argument at the Walmart on August 19, 2023, after which he reportedly said he planned to go into the woods to end his life. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office describes the death as suspicious and continues to seek information.

If anyone saw Johnson around the U.S. 15-501 Walmart in August or early September 2023, or has details about the encampment or the argument reported on August 19, please contact the Sheriff’s Office with any information.