John Stephen Bishop, 54, died on January 21, 2017, in Sparta, North Carolina. Born July 30, 1962, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, he was known as Steve, enjoyed bow hunting, and loved his dog Baby. He is survived by his son John Stephen Bishop Jr., his mother Virginia and stepfather Will Sylvester, brother Robert David Bishop, and sister Elisabeth Bishop.

Investigators established that Bishop had been seen at a local Sparta park on several occasions before his death. The inquiry produced a suspect later identified as the defendant in State v. McCann. At trial the defendant testified he had only two prior interactions with Bishop; the prosecution presented testimony and evidence that led to a conviction on premeditated and deliberate first-degree murder and a sentence.

Anyone who knew Bishop, his movements in Sparta, or who saw him at the park before January 21, 2017, is asked to share information with investigators.