Bryant Double Homicide Remains a Mystery

What started as a search for a missing elderly couple, turned into a gruesome homicide.

June 11, 2008

TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY NC NEWS -- In late October of 2007, John Davis Bryant and his wife, Irene went hiking in the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Soon after the elderly couple were reported missing. On October 21, 2007, in the vicinity of Brevard, North Carolina, an unsuccessful attempt was made to call 911 at 4:00 p.m. using the couple's cell phone. On October 22, 2007, at approximately 7:35 p.m., a person wearing a yellow nylon windbreaker used Bryant 's ATM card to withdraw $300.00 from a bank in Ducktown, Tennessee. Two weeks later Bryant's red SUV was found at the head of a trail near the popular Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest, in Brevard. On November 9, 2007, Irene Bryant, was unfortunately found beaten to death.

What started as a search for a missing elderly couple, turned into a gruesome homicide. On February 2, 2008, John Davis Bryant, 80, remains were discovered in Macon County by a hunter in a wooded area near Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC. On May 15, 2008, the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office in Chapel Hill released autopsy results revealed that Bryant died of a single gunshot wound to the head. DNA, dental records, and the serial number on a pacemaker found positively identifying the body.

Citizens who believe they may have information or may have seen John Davis Bryant prior to his death should immediately contact the nearest FBI Office or local law enforcement agency. This unsolved crime remains a mystery.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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