Ernestine Battle, 50, was reported missing in February 2008 and her remains were found March 14, 2008, by a farmer near Seven Bridges Road in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Severe decomposition prevented the medical examiner from determining an exact cause of death. Battle had worked for a cable company, liked makeup and fashion, and later turned to prostitution to support a drug habit.

Her disappearance and death fit a pattern: several African-American women from the Rocky Mount area with histories of drug use and prostitution were found dead in rural locations, many near Seven Bridges Road. Authorities have investigated the possibility of a serial killer. Antwan Maurice Pittman was convicted in the murder of Taraha Nicholson and has been considered a strong person of interest in other cases, but no definitive evidence has linked him to Battle. The perpetrator of Battle’s death remains unidentified.

Did anyone in the area know Ernestine or see her in early 2008 who hasn’t spoken to investigators?