Times-News

BURLINGTON — Police believe a missing Burlington woman’s remains ended up at a collection site in Montgomery County after, they suspect, she died while “Dumpster diving” and was hauled away in the Dumpster, police say. An attempt to recover her remains will begin Tuesday.

Stephanie Cox, 30, was originally reported missing to Greensboro police Thursday as family reported last seeing her in Greensboro.

Her vehicle was reported unattended at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Alamance Crossing, in a service drive behind businesses. Burlington police determined the vehicle hadn’t been stolen. Family then reported Cox missing that evening about 8 p.m.

Burlington police believe Cox is dead, and don’t suspect foul play.

“Cox is believed to have been attempting to collect items from a Dumpster alone shortly after midnight,” police said. ‘‘... It is believed that Cox did not exit the Dumpster prior to it being serviced at 1:47 a.m.”

Investigators said Monday video evidence shows Cox arrive at the Five Below, where the Dumpster was located, alone, and no one else was seen on the property until the Dumpster was serviced.

Cox’s family has since confirmed with police that it was not uncommon for her to collect items from local Dumpsters.

Police believe Cox’s remains were transferred to Uwharrie Environmental in Montgomery County. The processing center and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office are cooperating with the investigation. A search party will be launched Tuesday to assist in the attempted recovery.

“This case brings to light the dangers associated with collections from Dumpsters. The commonly known practice of ‘dumpster diving’ is not safe,” police warned in their latest update on the case.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at 336-229-3500. To provide information anonymously, call Crimestoppers at 336-229-7100. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.