Man known for panhandling along Main Street is killed, left lying in road, NC cops say

A man who became a familiar face while panhandling on North Main Street in High Point was killed and left in the road, according to the High Point Police Department.

John C. Boone, 49, was “deaf and nonverbal” and often without a home, police said in a news release.

His body was found around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the intersection of Lakewood and Futrelle drives in northwest High Point, officials said. High Point is about 75 miles northeast of uptown Charlotte.

A cause of death has not been released, but the case is being investigated as a homicide. The intersection where he was found marks the dead end of two streets and is surrounded by forested land.

Investigators are asking the public if anyone recalls seeing Boone between 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26. He was often spotted with a backpack and a “distinctive neon orange knitted cap.”

“Boone had a history of panhandling in this area and possibly made contact with members of the community during this time frame,” officials said in a release.

“Investigators have begun to create a timeline of Boone’s travels and interactions using witness statements and camera footage from local businesses. ... We are requesting that anyone with information or who may have seen or had contact with Boone during this time frame please contact Crimestoppers.”

This story was originally published January 28, 2022 at 7:39 AM with the headline "Man known for panhandling along Main Street is killed, left lying in road, NC cops say."