HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. -- The death of a Fayetteville area music teacher is now being investigated as a homicide, authorities announced on Tuesday.
On January 12, officials were called to 21 W. Governor Brandon Street in Spring Lake for reports of a possible deceased person in the front yard.
Upon arrival, authorites identified Marcus Deshawn Allen, 28, as the deceased person. His body was transported to Raleigh for an autopsy.
On Tuesday, the Harnett County Sheriff's Office announced Allen's death is being investigated as a homicide and "there was trauma to the victim's body when he was found."
No other details were released.
In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "We do not want to jeopardize the integrity of this investigation by releasing certain information at this time."
The school posted the following statement to their Facebook page after the news of Allen's death:
Students and teachers held a memorial service in his classroom Wednesday. Most of whom can't believe he is gone.
Funeral arrangement details are still unknown.
Anyone with information that will assist in this case is encouraged to call Detective J. Gardner at (910) 893-0149 or email jgardner@harnett.org. Tips can also be submitted at (910) 893-0300.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.