Missing NC Mom Found Dead After a Year

The search for 33-year-old Dana Leigh Mustian, a North Carolina mother who disappeared in November 2023, has concluded with the discovery of her remains and with an arrest. After more than a year of unanswered questions and ongoing searches, a volunteer dive team found "possible human remains" in Vance County, approximately 20 miles west of Mustian's home in Warrenton, North Carolina, according to CBS News. Deputies have since confirmed that the remains belong to Mustian, bringing closure to her mysterious disappearance. About three weeks later, Bryan David Griffin Jr., 37, was charged in connection with the death of Mustian and taken into custody.

The Disappearance of Dana Leigh Mustian

Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on Nov. 30, 2023, when her father dropped her off at her home on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, North Carolina. During their brief conversation, Dana confirmed she would see him the next day. However, when her family didn't hear from her and she missed her daughter's 6th birthday party, concern quickly grew. After multiple unanswered calls and failed attempts to reach her, Dana was officially reported missing on Dec. 4, 2023.

How Dive Teams Made the Grim Discovery

In collaboration with the State Bureau of Investigations, the Youngsville Rescue Dive Team searched areas in Vance County, where they uncovered possible human remains on Jan. 30, 2025. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office, where they were officially identified as belonging to Dana Leigh Mustian.

While the investigation into her cause of death is ongoing, authorities have not released details.

A Suspect Arrested

However, it's clear that although details haven't been made public, investigators do have at least one lead in this case. On Feb. 18, 2025, police arrested Griffin at a hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, charging him with concealment of a death. Griffin now awaits an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.

What Comes Next for the Family and Investigation

Now that Mustian's remains have been found and a suspect arrested, her family can begin the process of closure. Although the discovery of her body answers the question of where she was, it raises new concerns about how she ended up there. An autopsy will determine the cause of death, but it may take time before the full picture emerges.

This investigation is ongoing.

References: Remains of North Carolina mom missing since 2023 found by dive team: deputies | Human remains of missing NC woman found by dive team: sheriff's office | Divers find remains of North Carolina mom who disappeared over a year ago | Man charged in connection with death of missing NC woman Dana Mustian